Remote Court Hearings – what are they?
It is fair to say that we are currently facing unprecedented times.
The Court system still needs to go on, and whilst most Court buildings currently remain open, the Courts have moved to using remote hearings wherever possible, in a bid to minimise the transmission of Covid-19.
What is a remote hearing? – This is a hearing that takes place by way of a conference call, Skype, Zoom or other appropriate communication method. Some hearings may be capable of taking place by email.
It is for the Judge(s) of each case to decide the method of how each individual case is to be heard, whether it be remotely, in Court or adjourned because a remote hearing is not possible and the circumstances surrounding the case mean it is undesirable to go ahead with the hearing in a Court. However guidance has been issued in certain departments, Family law for instance, indicating that a face-to-face hearing will be the exception rather than the norm.
The new Protocol has given specific guidance for lawyers on how to prepare for the remote hearing, and what the Court, the parties and their representatives should do once a hearing has been fixed.
There will inevitably be teething problems caused by numerous remote hearings and the government have urged all parties to be sympathetic where any difficulties are faced.
If you have a hearing within the next 2 months, your solicitor will probably be discussing with the other party the format of that hearing. Once the situation is a little clearer they will update you on the specifics.
