Virtual Court Preparation: Guidelines for Virtual Attendance

Question: What guidelines should I follow for attending virtual court proceedings in Canada?

Answer: To effectively participate in virtual court proceedings in Canada, ensure you log in early, dress appropriately, maintain a quiet and respectful environment, and refrain from recording the session without permission, as per section 136 of the Courts of Justice Act, [R.S.O. 1990, c. C.43]. Following these practices preserves the integrity of the court while ensuring accessibility in the judicial process.

Guidelines for Attending Virtual Court Proceedings in Canada

Engaging in virtual court hearings in Canada requires adherence to specific decorum similar to traditional in-person courtrooms.  Participants, including the public, should behave as though they are attending in person, maintaining respect and compliance with established rules.

Evolution of Court Proceedings

With technological advancements and the necessity for remote accessibility, virtual court proceedings have become an integral part of the judicial process in Canada.  This transition ensures that justice remains accessible while addressing technological and practical considerations that come with remote participation.

Timely and Unobstrusive Participation

• Log in early to test connectivity and familiarize with the virtual platform's tools.
• Locate a quiet area to avoid disruptions, ensuring focus remains on the proceedings.  Dispose of potential interruptions preemptively.
• Maintain courtesy and respect towards court participants.
• When joining a virtual courtroom via Zoom or other virtual platform, sign in using your last name followed by your first name.  Participants are encouraged to share their prefix (e.g., Mr., Ms., Mrs., Mx.) and/or pronouns (e.g., he/him, she/her, they/them) either verbally when introducing themselves or by updating their display name.
• If you are joining by phone, promptly identify yourself when asked so the court can properly label your connection.
• Remain seated and attentive throughout the videoconference.  If you need to step away or shift your focus from the screen, notify the judge and turn off your camera.

Proper Virtual Courtroom Attire and Surroundings

• Avoid wearing sunglasses or non-religious headwear.
• Do not wear clothing with offensive imagery or messages.
• Ensure that your background and profile image remain free from any content that may be considered disruptive or unsuitable.

Recording of Proceedings

Unless expressly authorized by the judge, recording, photographing, or capturing screenshots of court proceedings is strictly prohibited.  Doing so without the presiding judicial official’s permission may violate section 136 of the Courts of Justice Act and could be considered contempt of court.  Additionally, certain hearings may be subject to publication bans, making it a criminal offence to publish or broadcast specific information discussed during the proceedings.

Participating in virtual court proceedings in Canada demands adherence to specific guidelines ensuring respect, professionalism, and effective communication.  By adhering to these practices, the integrity and functionality of court processes are preserved, enabling the continuation of justice in a modern and accessible format.