Kaugkohtumiste

Kaugkohtumised, also known as remote hearings or virtual court sessions, are legal proceedings conducted using telecommunications technology, allowing participants to appear remotely rather than in person. This method became significantly more prevalent with advancements in videoconferencing and internet capabilities, and its adoption accelerated globally during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The primary purpose of kaugkohtumised is to increase access to justice by reducing geographical barriers and logistical challenges. They can be particularly beneficial for individuals who live far from courthouses, have mobility issues, or face other difficulties in attending physical hearings. Furthermore, remote hearings can contribute to greater efficiency within the judicial system, potentially reducing court backlogs and saving time and resources for both the court and the parties involved.

Kaugkohtumised typically involve parties, legal representatives, judges, and sometimes witnesses connecting through secure video conferencing platforms. These platforms allow for real-time audio and visual communication, simulating the experience of an in-person hearing. Procedures and rules for conducting remote hearings are established by judicial bodies to ensure fairness, the integrity of evidence, and the right to a fair trial. While offering numerous advantages, challenges can include ensuring technological reliability, maintaining the confidentiality of proceedings, and adapting certain types of hearings, such as jury trials, to a virtual format. The use of kaugkohtumised continues to be a subject of ongoing discussion and development within legal systems worldwide.