How Does a Virtual Court Work & What is a Video Arraignment? | Pexip

 

Justice systems everywhere are in the midst of a modernization journey. Courts, police, prisons, and legal professionals are managing higher case volumes, tighter budgets, and the expectation that services must remain accessible even when people cannot physically appear in a courtroom. As a result, virtual courts and video-based arraignments have moved from emergency measures to a core part of how justice is delivered. 

 

This article explains the fundamentals of how virtual courts work, why video arraignments are used, and what legal professionals need to know when preparing for remote hearings. 

 

 

What is a virtual court and how does it work? 

 

A virtual court (sometimes called a remote or online court) is a hearing in which some or all participants join by video rather than appearing in person. Judges, clerks, lawyers, defendants, witnesses, interpreters, and observers may all participate remotely depending on the rules of the jurisdiction and the type of case. 

 

While early virtual hearings relied on simple phone lines, modern court systems use purpose-built video platforms that support the full courtroom workflow. These typically include: 

• Role-based access controls so judges, clerks, counsel, defendants, and witnesses each see the appropriate view. 

• Waiting rooms or lobbies where participants stay before the judge admits them. 

• Private consultation rooms for confidential attorney–client conversations. 

• Secure document sharing and screen-sharing options that mirror in-court processes. 

• Connectivity to custody suites and detention centers, enabling first appearances and prison-court links. 

What participants need to join a virtual court 

 

To take part in a virtual hearing, most participants require only: 

• A stable internet connection 

• A computer, phone, or tablet with webcam and microphone 

• A quiet, private space 

• The ability to use basic video controls (mute, camera, join link) 

Courts often provide guidance on appearance, decorum, and technical setup. Many hearings begin in a virtual “waiting room” until the judge brings parties into session, just as they would in a physical courtroom. 

 

 

Video arraignments: why they matter 

 

An arraignment is the hearing where charges are formally presented, and the defendant enters a plea. Video arraignments allow this process to occur remotely while maintaining judicial integrity and procedural fairness. 

 

They have been used for years in the United States and internationally, and they remain one of the strongest examples of how video improves both safety and efficiency in early-stage proceedings. 

 

Key benefits for courts and public safety agencies 

 

Video arraignments can: 

• Reduce prisoner transport from jails to courthouses, lowering security risk and operational costs. 

• Decrease the number of officers required to escort individuals in custody. 

• Limit crowding in court buildings and holding facilities. 

• Shorten waiting times for defendants and streamline the daily docket. 

• Support confidential attorney–client communication before and during the hearing. 

• Improve safety for courtroom staff, law enforcement, and the public. 

For people in custody, video arraignments also reduce stress by avoiding long transport hours, searches, restraints, and time in courthouse holding cells. 

 

 

How legal representatives can prepare for virtual court 

 

Appearing remotely still requires the same professionalism and preparation as an in-person hearing. Legal representatives should: 

 

Understand the court’s technical setup 

 

Before the hearing, review any platform instructions provided by the court. Ensure you know: 

• How to join the session 

• How to mute/unmute or share documents 

• How to communicate privately with your client 

Testing audio and video ahead of time helps avoid delays. 

 

Prepare materials as you usually would 

 

Have case documents ready – physical copies can reduce the need to switch between digital sources during the hearing. 

 

Plan for private communication 

 

Because clients cannot whisper to counsel in a virtual courtroom, agree ahead of time how to communicate during the hearing, whether via secure messaging, email, or platform-provided private rooms. 

 

Consider body language and presence 

 

Camera angle, lighting, and background all contribute to how participants perceive you. A stable setup helps maintain courtroom decorum and clarity. 

 

 

Why the right virtual court technology matters 

 

Even well-prepared participants depend on the court’s ability to run secure, reliable hearings. Judicial organizations and correctional facilities increasingly require technology that: 

• Keeps sensitive judicial data under national authority 

• Supports role-based courtroom flows 

• Provides secure links to prisons, police stations, and remote locations 

• Works on any browser or device, ensuring citizens can participate regardless of equipment 

• Connects to existing video systems in courtrooms, detention centers, and meeting rooms 

• Integrates with recording and streaming solutions for permitted cases 

• Scales to national volumes without compromising performance 

These capabilities are no longer optional. They are essential to clearing backlogs, improving access to justice, and maintaining continuity of operations during disruptions such as extreme weather, transport strikes, or building closures.