Remote trial and error: how COVID-19 changed public access to court proceedings

Restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic in England and Wales accelerated the use of digital technology for remote hearings. Inevitably, a period of trial and error followed, with a hybrid and emergency set of rules for media and public access to hearings. This short article outlines some of the main changes to the conduct of court hearings in 2020–21, and the impact on open justice. We contend that this tumultuous period has highlighted the potential for improved accountability of the justice process, but also unresolved issues around the practical management of public access to courts.