Nationwide Courts to Expand Civil and Criminal Video Trials Starting November 18

Remote video trials are being conducted at the Seoul High Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul. /Joint Press Corps

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Video trials will be expanded nationwide in courts across the country.

On the 17th, the Supreme Court announced that, following the enforcement of the amended Civil Procedure Act and Criminal Procedure Act, remote video trials, which had previously been allowed only for witness and expert examinations, will be expanded from the 18th to include preparatory hearings, inquiry hearings, and trial hearings. Criminal trials will also be able to conduct video trials for notifying reasons for detention or preparatory trial hearings.

Participants in the trial can participate by simultaneously transmitting and receiving video and audio through computers equipped for video trials. It is also possible to participate in trials via relay facilities installed in courts or government offices.

A Supreme Court official stated, "The expansion of video trials will improve the public's access to justice," adding, "We will effectively guarantee the fundamental rights of the people without delay of justice even in times of social crisis."

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