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Guidelines for attending an online hearing

Remember to comply with all court requirements and protocols during an online hearing. 
Even though you are not physically in the courtroom, an online hearing is an extension of the courtroom, and the same standards apply.

• You must follow the directions given by the presiding judicial officer or bench clerk, including turning your camera on or off when asked.
• You must identify yourself when asked to do so by the judicial officer.
• Be aware that the bench clerk can mute your sound. Please do not unmute yourself, unless asked to do so by the judicial officer.
• Do not eat or drink on camera.
• You must not share your screen unless directed to by the judicial officer.
• You must not interrupt proceedings or behave in a manner that causes any disruption to the courtroom.
• Do not move around during the hearing. Remember, you would need to ask for permission to move around a courtroom – the same applies in an online hearing.
• If you are a legal representative, please enter your appearance in the chat function and ensure your client has the correct audio visual capability to appear online.
• If you are an observer, please enter your name and remain on mute with your camera off unless requested by the judicial officer.
• If you are a media representative, you must enter your surname and organisation to appear online.

If you do not comply with the above instructions, you may be removed from the hearing or required to attend court at short notice.

WARNING: It is a criminal offence under Section 4A and 4B of the Courts Security Act 1980 for anyone to take photographs, record or transmit any portion of a proceeding including taking screen shots on either the device you have connected from or another device. All hearings are recorded according to the Magistrates' Court Act 1989. The standard application process to obtain recordings applies.

Click here for more information on attending an MCV online hearing.