SCHEDULES
SCHEDULE 27Use of live links in legal proceedings: Northern Ireland
PART 1Powers of courts and tribunals to direct use of live links
2Power to give direction for participation by live link
1
A person may, if a court or statutory tribunal so directs, participate in any proceedings in the court or tribunal through a live link.
2
A direction may not be given under this paragraph as respects a person’s participation in proceedings as a member of a jury.
3
A direction may be given under this paragraph in respect of a person—
a
of the court or tribunal’s own motion,
b
on application by the person, or
c
on application by a party to the proceedings.
4
A court or tribunal may not give a direction under this paragraph unless the court or tribunal is satisfied that it is in the interests of justice to do so.
5
In deciding whether to give a direction under this paragraph, the court or tribunal must consider all the circumstances of the case.
6
Those circumstances include (in particular)—
a
the views of the person;
b
the views of the parties to the proceedings;
c
public health interests.
7
Where a court or tribunal refuses an application for a direction under this paragraph, it must—
a
state openly its reasons for doing so, and
b
if it is a magistrates’ court, cause the reasons to be entered in the Order Book.
8
Power of a court or tribunal to give a direction under this paragraph is additional to, and does not limit, any other power of the court or tribunal.