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Consultation opens – Public views sought on options to change the law for attending court remotely
Consultation opens – Public views sought on options to change the law for attending court remotely
Feedback is sought on options to change the law for attending court remotely.
The Ministry of Justice is undertaking a first principles review of the Courts (Remote Participation) Act 2010 and now wants to hear from the public on options for change set out in a discussion document.
The Act provides a framework for determining when court users can attend remotely by audio-visual or audio links instead of in-person.
Feedback is sought on options for change related to three areas: what a remote participation Act should apply to; how decisions about participating remotely should be made; and when remote participation should be used.
The key objective is to achieve a modern, fit-for-purpose regime that increases remote participation, supports access to justice and promotes efficiency in courts in a way that is consistent with the interests of justice.
The Government decided to review the Act in December 2023 as part of its 100-Day-Plan commitment to enable more virtual participation in court proceedings. The review is part of a wider work programme to improve the efficiency, timeliness and performance of the courts system.
Public feedback is sought by 6 December.
You can find the discussion document and provide feedback online through the Ministry’s Citizen Space consultation hub: