HYBRID HEARINGS

Vice-chair of the Personal Injury Bar Association Sarah Crowther QC has raised concerns over the fairness of hybrid hearings. The hearings have been used over lockdown to accommodate attendees remotely where necessary. However, Crowther says those appearing remotely may be placed at a disadvantage. In a recent children case Lord Justice Peter Jackson said a hybrid hearing did not threaten a mother's right to a fair trial. With covid-19 restrictions set to stay in place for at least six months, the debate looks likely to continue. 28 september 2020