Virtual courts

In force from 16 October 2008

The Office of Criminal Justice Reform intends to conduct a widespread pilot of the virtual first hearing system, whereby the conduct of the first Magistrates' Court hearing will take place with the defendant appearing in court by a video link from the police station.

This practice note outlines what you should consider before advising a defendant to consent to proceed in this way.

It has been updated to address safety issues for solicitors.

Current version

Virtual court first hearings - 14 December 2009

Archive

Virtual court first hearings – 20 October 2009

Virtual court first hearings – 29 July 2009

Virtual court first hearings – 17 November 2008

Virtual courts – 16 October 2008