According to plans unveiled by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), defendants will be allowed to plead guilty from the comfort of their own phone.
Lord Chancellor Liz Truss MP, the Lord Chief Justice Thomas of Cwmgiedd, as well as Senior President of Tribunals Lord Justice Ryder, revealed the new idea in a jointly issued paper released last week, and said that they wanted the justice system to start taking advantage of the brand spanking new technologies, such as the Internet.
New policy paper — Transforming our justice system — Lord Chief Justice, Lord Chancellor, Senior Pres of Tribunals https://t.co/iPTYin2UW4
— Bingham Centre (@BinghamCentre) September 15, 2016
In the paper, titled Transforming Our Justice System, the MoJ set out their US$1.5 billion vision on how to move the court system from England and Wales away from the 15th century paper based processes.
The aim is to help those people who are considered vulnerable to spare the trauma of appearing in court. Also under the new plans there will be a shake-up of legal jargon which will be replaced by much more simple language.
Ministry of Justice, Courts reform gives stronger protection for victims and witnesses https://t.co/xbiH0VDOoK
— Prof. Phil Rumney (@phil_rumney) 15 September 2016
In addition to this, cross-examinations will be recorded and played live during the trial; this will stop vulnerable victims from reliving the events.
"We want a justice system that works for everyone. That means creating a system that is just, proportionate and accessible. We have the tools and the technology to cut unnecessary paperwork, to deliver swifter justice and to make the experience more straightforward," an MoJ statement sent to Sputnik said.
Avoidable court visits will be a thing of the past as part of our £1bn investment in courts https://t.co/a2OBn7gJbb pic.twitter.com/AUHdnGAPTm
— Ministry of Justice (@MoJGovUK) September 15, 2016
However, there are concerns that this system may not work and could even be exploited by some.
Lord Chancellor @TrussLiz on how reforms will make a justice system that works for everyone: https://t.co/a2OBn7yk2J pic.twitter.com/u6UOGcvyzw
— Ministry of Justice (@MoJGovUK) September 15, 2016
Private firms such as Capita, who run the outsourced BBC TV tax enforcement arm, are motivated by profit and some are worried that unscrupulous prosecution lawyers may take advantage of the system.
However for the MoJ, these reforms will allow them to better protect victims and witnesses who can find the experience of reliving a traumatic event in court incredibly stressful.
