Commentary on Sections Part 2: Live Links
This Part provides an expansion in court services by extending the range of matters that can be dealt with by way of “live link”.
The Act extends the conditions for a vulnerable accused live link direction to include those of any age who have a physical disability or suffer from a physical disorder. This is consistent with the eligibility criteria applied to witnesses. The Act improves the services for mentally disordered offenders by allowing live link connections between courts and psychiatric hospitals.
A number of technical improvements are also made to fill gaps in existing law.
The provisions do not change a patient’s or defendant’s entitlement to be present at a hearing nor do they alter the right to consult privately with their legal representative before during or after a live link.