A virtual court system tested in the United Kingdom allows suspects to go on trial hours after their arrest, with witnesses testifying via video link from police stations.
Now, with the UK justice minister’s backing, the entire UK court system could go digital next year, with secure electronic transfer of files between parties becoming standard practice.
More than 1,400 people have appeared in Kent courts under the “Live Links” pilot project since May 2009.
The Kent trial was lauded by justice minister Nick Herbert for efficiency and effectiveness, “not only for the police but for victims and witnesses”.
Fellow justice minister Jonathan Djanogly says not only does the scheme enable the quick resolution of cases, defendants do not need to be transferred from prison to court.
With the legal fraternity welcoming attempts to make the justice system more immediate, what other technologies might speed up the sentencing process and save on police and court time?
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