Courts (Remote Hearings) Bill

The Courts (Remote Hearings) Bill enables courts across England and Wales to conduct legal proceedings via video link and other remote technologies, rather than requiring all parties to be physically present in a courtroom. The bill provides a legal framework that allows judges to decide when remote hearings are appropriate, covering civil cases, criminal proceedings, and tribunal hearings. It aims to improve access to justice, reduce delays caused by geographical barriers or scheduling conflicts, and cut costs for court users. The bill maintains safeguards to ensure fair trials and allows judges to require inperson hearings when they believe it's necessary for justice.