Live video link to court for those remanded in custody
District Court President Colin Daly has issued a new Practice Direction which takes effect today (14 September) until the end of the year.
Live video links can now be used for those remanded in custody by a judge of the District Court, in the course of criminal proceedings.
Public health
The measure applies to all District Courts, and has been taken “in the interests of public health and the health of all those engaged with the administration of justice”.
The move follows the commencement of the Civil Law and Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020.
Video links will be used for everyone remanded on bail and in custody on unrelated matters, and everyone in custody and serving a sentence on unrelated matters.
The use of video links is specified in section 23 (3) of the act, concerning the use of live video links between courts and the places where the relevant persons is located.