Video has become a defining part of modern justice. What began as a workaround during periods of disruption has evolved into a long-term shift toward virtual and hybrid hearings – increasing access, improving safety, and keeping cases moving. Justice systems worldwide are now rethinking their operating models and discovering video as a way to make court processes more resilient, efficient, and inclusive.
This article explores how attitudes toward virtual courts have changed, the benefits of video for hearings, and how jurisdictions around the world are modernizing their systems.
Attitudes toward video in court have evolved
When courts first adopted video at scale, legal professionals experienced firsthand how remote participation could work without compromising fairness or judicial control. The result has been a long-term shift in expectations.
In England and Wales, the Civil Justice Council found that 71.5% of lawyers described their experience with remote hearings as positive, citing efficiency and reduced delays. A joint report from Baker McKenzie and KPMG showed strong support for hybrid hearings, where some participants are physically present and others join by video.
Hybrid hearings were already used in many jurisdictions before 2020, but they are now widely recognized as an essential tool, particularly for procedural hearings, expert testimony, case management, and situations where travel is difficult or unnecessary.
Today, for justice systems around the world, video is no longer an exception. It is part of the court’s everyday toolkit.
Key benefits of video in virtual and hybrid hearings
Greater access to justice
Virtual participation reduces barriers for people with disabilities, limited financial means, childcare responsibilities, or travel challenges. Courts have reported fewer no-shows and smoother scheduling as a result.
Lower operational costs
By reducing waiting times, travel costs, and minimizing the need for security escorts and transport teams, courts save time and public resources.
Enhanced security
Fewer prisoner transports reduce risk to officers, defendants, and the public. Sensitive or high-risk appearances can be handled more safely.
Convenience for participants
Joining from home, office, or a safe location reduces travel time, parking issues, and environmental impact.
Better focus on witness credibility
Close camera views help judges and lawyers assess demeanor, expressions, and gestures – valuable in certain types of testimony.
Efficient arraignments and parole hearings
Prison-to-court video links speed up the process, reduce courtroom congestion, and support more humane custody conditions.
Improved advocacy and communication
Sidebars, breakout rooms, and secure chat or messaging can support private, real-time communication between legal teams and clients.
Streamlined documentation
Digital audio/video recording and transcripts are easier to capture, store, and share – subject to local rules and permissions.
Ability to customize
Many courts now prioritize platforms that can be tailored to judicial workflows. Role-based access, flexible deployments, and APIs allow courts to design virtual hearings that feel familiar, predictable, and aligned with local procedure.
Virtual courts in practice: how justice systems are adapting
Ireland: embracing hybrid courts at national scale
The Irish Courts Service has enabled thousands of virtual hearings using Pexip's platform, expanding from small proceedings to cases involving multiple witnesses and affidavits.
Justice Mary Irvine, President of the Irish High Court, noted that the upgraded system “addresses many of the concerns raised by parties when contemplating witness actions taking place remotely.”
Angela Denning, CEO of the Courts Service, described hybrid courts as the model of the future:
“A mix of physical and digital courts suitable to meet the varying needs of our diverse range of users.”
New Mexico: modernizing with existing infrastructure
The New Mexico Supreme Court used Pexip to adopt a hybrid model without replacing legacy courtroom equipment. The solution allowed various platforms and endpoints to connect seamlessly.
“This was a no-brainer investment in an absolutely valuable platform,” said Dick Wilkinson, CTO for the New Mexico Supreme Court.
Paulding County, Georgia: safer, more efficient hearings
Paulding County Sheriff’s Office uses Pexip to support routine court appearances for individuals in custody, reducing transport and improving safety.
Joint Court of Justice of the Caribbean: security and reliability across islands
Serving multiple islands, the Joint Court relies on a secure and high-quality video solution that complies with international standards. Reliability was key:
“With Pexip, the audio and visual quality was perfect,” said Igor Campagnard, Junior System Administrator.
Remote hearings have significantly reduced the need for inter-island travel, making justice more accessible and efficient.
What the future holds: no return to pre-video courts
Justice leaders widely agree that virtual and hybrid hearings are now a permanent part of the legal system. The UK’s Lord Chief Justice, Lord Burnett of Maldon, summarized it clearly: there will be “no going back” to a pre-digital model.
Future-ready courts are prioritizing:
- Sovereign control of judicial data
- Platforms that reflect true courtroom procedure
- Seamless participation from any device
- Scalable infrastructure for national workloads
- Hybrid operating models that maximize courtroom efficiency
Video has become part of a broader transformation in how justice is delivered.
Courts that adopt secure, interoperable, and workflow-aligned video solutions will be better positioned to handle growing caseloads, support vulnerable participants, and maintain continuity in every circumstance.
Learn more about Pexips solutions for Justice here.
- Judicial
- Digital courtrooms
- Secure Meetings for Justice
.png?width=500&name=Copy%20of%20Blog%20header%20(1).png)
-1.jpg?width=500&name=iStock-1290753047%20(1)-1.jpg)
