Overview

The Courts (Remote Hearings) Bill aims to make it legal to conduct certain civil and family court hearings remotely, using live video or audio links. This will allow individuals to participate in court proceedings from a distance, potentially improving access to justice and reducing travel costs and burdens.

Description

This bill amends existing legislation to permit remote participation in various court proceedings. Specifically, it modifies:

• Family Law Act 1996: Allows individuals to appear in court via live video or audio link for breaches of court orders.
• Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014: Enables remote appearances before judges or justices of the peace for arrests without warrant.
• Policing and Crime Act 2009: Permits remote appearances before judges for arrests without warrant.
• Local Government Finance Act 1992: Allows debtors to participate in enforcement proceedings remotely via live video or audio link.

The bill uses the definition of "live video link or live audio link" as defined in section 56 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003.

The Act will come into force two months after it is passed.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify any changes to government spending. The potential impact is indirect: increased efficiency in court proceedings may lead to cost savings in the long term, while the investment in technology to support remote hearings may involve some initial expenditure.

Groups Affected

The bill will affect:

• Individuals involved in civil and family court cases: They will have the option to participate remotely, potentially reducing travel costs and time.
• Courts and judicial staff: They will need to adapt their procedures and potentially invest in technology to facilitate remote hearings.
• Lawyers and legal professionals: They will need to adapt their practices to accommodate remote hearings.
• Debtors involved in enforcement proceedings: They will have the option to participate remotely.

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