Now online, free to view: GCN Webinar – The right to a fair trial in the age of the Coronavirus

24 April 2020

On 16 March 2020 Justice Minister Chris Philip announced that Courts would continue to operate normally despite the pandemic. On 17 March Lord Chief Justice Burnett echoed much of the legal profession when he said that it was not realistic to suppose that it will be business as usual in any jurisdiction. The subsequent days and weeks have proved him right.

The announcement ending jury trials on 23 March 2020 ushered in a brave new world of hearings via Skype and associated legal powers under the Coronavirus Act 2020.

But where does all this leave defendants and their right to a fair trial? Can their rights really be upheld via video link? Where are we heading and what are the pitfalls? Are there any positive practices we can salvage from this time of crisis?

Please enjoy our webinar discussion of these fundamental questions and the future of the right to a fair trial in these troubled times, presented by our barristers Clare Ashcroft and Richard Brigden, and pupil barristers Christian Weaver and Mira Hammad.