UK: Legal experts to question whether online courts are a threat to the vulnerable

Legal experts will feature on BBC Radio 4’s Unreliable Evidence show tonight to discuss concerns about whether online courts could narrow access to justice.

Host and former barrister Clive Anderson and guests Master of the Rolls, Dame Hazel Genn, Andrew Langdon QC and Professor Richard Susskind examine concerns that the UK government’s programme to modernise the court system through use of digital technologies could threaten access to justice.

Today, it is common practice for vulnerable witnesses to give evidence via video link. But government proposals could see the entire court process move online.

Critics of the plans say that, without access to a lawyer, vulnerable defendants might act against their best interests, or may even be manipulated by a third party.

Mr Anderson hears concerns that, without a defendant appearing in the dock, victims and their families might not feel justice was being done. and - without a physical courtroom for journalists to attend - justice might no longer be seen to be done.

There is a widespread worry that cost-cutting is being prioritised over justice, and that the digitally illiterate risk being shut out of legal system, with profound consequences.

Supporters of the proposals claim digital courts will save the public time and money, be easier to navigate, and meet the demands of the “internet society” that services be delivered online.