Coronavirus - courts and tribunals guidance (updated Dec 21)

Face-to-face hearings are likely to continue despite the government’s ‘Plan B’ to tackle rising coronavirus cases, with decisions on remote attendance left to the discretion of judges.

HM Courts & Tribunals Service guidance for courts and tribunal users was updated this morning to reflect the prime minister’s announcement, but does not appear to include any substantive change.It will remain a matter for individual judges to decide whether to use the cloud video platform or other means of arranging a remote or hybrid hearing, saying a ‘top-down missive’ was unlikely.It is not likely to be any change in the operation of the courts, pointing out that lawyers and court staff considered essential to the running of the justice system had been classed as key workers at the height of the pandemic.
www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19...ning-and-preparation