Among the many things that we are missing over this lockdown period, going to the cinema is definitely high on my list. As an avid cinemaphile I can’t wait to get back to the smell of popcorn.
As many of us know, the justice system is struggling to cope with an overwhelming backlog of cases. Struggles around social distancing for Juries, courts having to close, and staffing issues have put a strain on our already fragile system. In August of 2020 it was believed that some 750 outstanding High Court cases were still to be heard in Scotland. Access to swift and proper justice is a human right, and ought to be upheld even during a pandemic.
So what if I told you that instead of seats being filled to watch the long-witheld James Bond installment, Juries are now trading in the court benches and courtrooms for the comfort of that cinema experience. Jurors who would usually be sitting in the same seats to watch Tenet, are actually watching courtcases remotely instead.
With the increased uptake in remote technology platforms like Zoom, Juries are able to witness court preceeding happen in real-time from a in a socially distanced capacity – on a 50ft screen. Jurors are based in screens watching the judge and both legal teams who are continuing to work from the courthouse.
As recently as last week Cinema chain ‘Vue’, in their Shiprow site in Aberdeen, Scottland hosted a High Court trial. Other chains such as ODEON are also part of this initiative and have been since October. Around £5.5 million is said to being put into this initiative across Scotland. This features the implimentation of new high-tech cameras allowing for full backwards and forwards coverage.
At the moment, cinema venues remain empty, most not set to open until Summer time. Multiplexes with tens of rooms, thousands of seats are being wasted, and so are the potential opportunities. It’s incredible to see the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service usher in such initiative and even better to hear their plans for branching out.
Legal Together 