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It’s been a year since lockdown measures began in some form or another, and for many of us it’s been just as long since we’ve been able to freely socialise and see our friends and family. We’ve been stuck in our own homes, our only interaction with those we live with, or virtually through the medium of Zoom, Houseparty, FaceTime. But the Zoom quizzes have long lost their appeal, and a virtual hug can sometimes make you feel more alone than before.

The COVID-19 outbreak has required organisations all over the world to adapt to new ways of working. The Scottish Criminal Ccourts are in the same position, and as an essential service, the courts must adopt modern technology to continue to function. However, unlike other businesses, the courts face the distinct challenge of balancing the right to a fair trial, with dispensing justice.  The Coronavirus Act 2020, and the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020, introduce several new measures and practices designed to keep the public safe while allowing the courts to run in this unprecedented era. Significant consideration has been given to the increased use of video links for both witnesses and the jury. In this article, we look at the existing use of video in Scottish Courts, and how this might be utilised during the coronavirus pandemic. 

While all areas of business are affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, essential services such as courts and tribunals must ensure minimal disruption to the lives of the public. The criminal justice system is an integral part of society, and as a result, has had to adapt and adopt new working methods to continue running.  In coordinating the response to the coronavirus outbreak, the government and the courts and tribunals service has had to consider:  How best to minimise the impact of the virus on the judiciary, court staff and users of the courts and tribunals service How best to ensure that specific sites can remain open or make alternative arrangements for priority and essential services How to ensure minimal disruption to non-priority services at this time