Video Technology & Legal Proceedings

Video conferencingThe courts have been made to adapt to the changing environment because of the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, the court system has adopted modern technologies and methods to conduct court hearings and provide court services. This includes the use of video communication technology which in many circumstances has replaced in-person hearings.

There are many benefits of having court appearances done via video. Some are as follows:

  1. It is more efficient since there is no travel time;
  2. Saves time and money for all parties;
  3. Increases access to justice since it is less costly for clients;
  4. New rules have been implemented to ensure the parties have made greater effort to settle their matters outside of the court process;
  5. Lawyers can appear on matters in various courts without having to travel;
  6. When matters are being heard, there are no interruptions and judges can deal with the matter effectively at the appearance;
  7. Depending on the matter, victims do not need to confront their assailant in person face-to-face. This is most useful in situations where there is domestic violence or abuse;
  8. Parties are able to deal with complex legal issues in the comfort of their home, proving this to be a less daunting and stressful experience for those involved.

On the contrary, one drawback is that it is difficult to take evidence either in examination-in-chief or in cross-examination. This process requires reading body language and tone, as well as verifying the validating of documentary evidence. For these reasons, many trials, or parts of them continue to be held in person. This will likely continue in the future.

Nonetheless, video technology has become an especially useful tool that continues to be utilized by lawyers and the courts. Our office is equipped to attend court via video communication technology and can accommodate our clients who either do not have the equipment or proficiency with the technology to participate on their own.

If your matter is proceeding in-person, it is possible to request that it proceed by way of video. If you have questions about your court proceedings and whether they are proceeding via video, please contact our office and one of our lawyers can assist you.

For the same reasons listed above, video technology has also become an effective and popular tool in alternative dispute resolution such as in mediations, settlement conferences, and four-way meetings.

Our office uses video communication for other types of legal services as well such as independent legal advice, the execution of wills and powers of attorney, marriage contracts, separation agreements, and other types of legal documents. This has proven to be a useful tool when clients cannot meet with a lawyer in-person, for instance, if they live outside the Greater Toronto Area or abroad. In some circumstances, our clients cannot travel to the office due to health issues and prefer to meet via video.

If you would like to meet with a lawyer using video technology, please inquire with our office about our services.

 

by Jessica Pliszka