Glasgow Court Remote Jury

A new remote jury centre opens at the Braehead Odeon cinema complex in Glasgow amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

11:28 29 October 2020

A new remote jury centre has been recently opened at the Braehead Odean cinema complex as Glasgow attempts to address the substantial delays to proceedings due to the Covid-19 pandemic. On October 13, jury trials went ahead with 15 jurors who followed strict physical distancing protocols. Mandatory safety measures, including the use of hand sanitisers and face masks, were also strictly enforced. 

 

The multiplex features 11 jury rooms and state-of-the-art technology that securely connect with the courtrooms where cases are heard. The multiple is one of the centres in the UK that are backed by a £6.5million funding package from the Scottish government. The investment was made after the Restarting Solemn Trials Group, chaired by the Lord Justice Clerk Lady Dorrian, proposed the idea in order to operate at pre-Covid-19 business level. 

 

The multiplex is for the exclusive use of remote jury proceedings from Monday to Friday until further notice. The courtrooms are using technology to broadcast the trials to the screens and to receive the video wall of jurors into the courtroom. Each jury is supported by a court officer, and each remote jury room will be supported by technical specialists to ensure continuity of proceedings. 

 

Since the lockdown, business has moved into virtual courts, including civil and criminal appeal hearings as well as Court of Session hearings, and personal injury cases.