Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many courtrooms have transitioned to virtual appearances. This provides people with the convenience of appearing in court without having to visit the courthouse in person. However, even though people are attending virtually, the courts expect people to follow the same rules they would in person.
Our Best Tips for Attending Court Virtually
Find the right Zoom Link
The first step toward a successful virtual court appearance is to find the link to the Zoom meeting corresponding the courtroom that you’re appearing in. If you’re an accused person, the Zoom link can often be found on your release documents that were issued by police along with the date and time. If the documents cannot be found or were misplaced, Ontario Court of Justice has a website that provides the URLs for most Ontario virtual courtrooms and it is organized by city: https://www.ontariocourts.ca/ocj/court-locations/
Log In Early
Most courts start at 9am, however it is best practice to log into the court at least 10-15 minutes before. This is for a number of reasons:
- courtrooms may have court screening: This means that when logging in a screener will ask what matter you are appearing for and attempt to verify your identity before entering into the main courtroom. This screening process can take up to 10 minutes depending on how busy the courtroom is. So, to avoid being late, prepare to log into zoom 15 minutes early so the screening process can happen relatively fast.
- Your matter might get addressed right at 9am: If you are not there when your matter is being addressed this could lead to issues. For example, it could be addressed without you and adjourned to another date that might not be agreeable with your schedule or in worst case scenario a bench warrant issued for failure to appear. So, to be safe log in a few minutes before to avoid consequences.
- Technical issues: zoom is not a perfect platform and there can be issues where you need to update it last minute or issues with logging in. Attempting to log in early can give time to troubleshoot any technical issues without missing your court appearance. It also gives time to call the courthouse and ask if they are having any technical issues on their end.
Find a Quiet Place, Preferably a Desk in an Empty Room
Judges do not appreciate when people appear from noisy or distracting areas. This is because it often makes it hard to hear the person speaking when they are getting addressed by the court. It is important for the judge and court staff to clearly hear what is being said in order to avoid misrepresentations or miscommunications.
As well, it is best to find a quiet area to also make it easier for you to hear the court as well and so you do not miss getting called.
Avoid being outside or sitting in a moving vehicle. Court may not address you if you are in those locations as they view it as distracting and a safety issue.
Identify yourself
The best practice is to put your first and last name as your zoom display name. This makes it easier for the courts to identify who you are. When your zoom display name is something other than your name the court may assume you have not attended or attempt to address your matter without noticing that you are on the zoom call. To make the appearance a smooth and easy process, have your zoom display set beforehand. If it is impossible to set your name beforehand just make sure to promptly identify yourself when asked by court staff and they will rename you.
Dress in Proper Courtroom Attire
As mentioned earlier, courts expect people attending virtually to still obey the courtroom rules as if they were in person. This means that when attending virtually you should avoid wearing sunglasses or hats. If you are wearing any of those items, the judge will interrupt and ask you to remove the items. This can often be embarrassing or provide the wrong first impression. So, to avoid this, refrain from wearing any of those items beforehand.
Mind the Virtual Courtroom Behaviour Dos and Don’ts
When appearing the following behaviour is strongly recommended:
- Do not speak unless spoken to: judges often dislike when people interrupt other matters by speaking. So out of respect, keep your zoom muted until called on!
- When called on turn your camera on and unmute and state your name: when called on by the court, the judge will ask you to unmute and turn your camera on and state your name for the court. This is done to identify yourself for the record. If you are not being called on, it is perfectly fine to have your camera off and muted until spoken to.
- Do not eat or drink (other than water): in-person people are not allowed to eat or drink in the courtroom and the same is expected in virtual appearances. Eating or drinking can often be distracting on screen or cause a hazard. So, avoid eating or drinking until after the appearance.
- Do not smoke or vape: in person people are not allowed to smoke in courtrooms and the same is expected in virtual appearances. Smoking is often distracting and considered disrespectful to the court. Courts may refuse to address you while you’re smoking.
- Sit or stand in a respectful way: This means avoid walking around, laying down, or completely slouching when being addressed.
- Do not record: it is an offence under s.136 of the courts of justice act to record or publish court proceedings even in virtual court. So, to avoid getting charged with an offence do not record any part of the virtual appearance.
If you follow all of these tips and tricks virtual courtroom appearances can become seamless!
For any further information regarding zoom appearances be sure to refer to the Ontario court of justice guide.
