What is a Virtual Court?
A virtual court, alternatively called a digital court or e-court, constitutes a framework for conducting legal proceedings remotely, utilizing digital tools such as video conferencing, electronic document submission, and online messaging. The importance of digital courts lies in their ability to modernize and simplify the legal system, enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and robustness.
Benefits of Virtula Court
- Accessibility: Virtual courts eliminate geographical limitations, enabling people to participate in legal proceedings regardless of their location.
- Efficiency: Leveraging technology, digital courts speed up legal processes, resulting in prompt resolution of cases and reduction of case backlog. Remote hearings, electronic document submission, and online communication tools streamline administrative tasks.
- Cost-effectiveness: Virtual courts reduce costs by eliminating the necessity for physical courtrooms, reducing travel costs, and minimizing administrative overhead.
- Resilience: Digital courts demonstrate resilience in the face of unforeseen circumstances, such as natural disasters or health emergencies. By enabling remote participation, they ensure the continuity of court proceedings even in situations where physical presence is not possible.
- Enhanced security: Digital court typically includes robust security measures to ensure the confidentiality and consistency of the judicial process.
What is a Video Arraignment in Court?
Video arraignment is a modern judicial process where defendants appear before a judge via video link instead of being physically present in court. This approach is primarily used for initial court hearings, during which defendants are informed of the charges against them, advised of their legal rights, and, if necessary, their bail is discussed. The method has become increasingly common in today’s legal systems due to its practical advantages and the ability for various types of lawyers—such as defense attorneys, public defenders, and legal aid representatives—to participate remotely when needed.
One of the key benefits of video arraignment is its efficiency. By eliminating the need to transport individuals from detention centers to courthouses, courts can manage schedules more effectively and process cases faster. This also enhances courtroom safety by reducing the movement of potentially dangerous individuals and minimizing security risks. Additionally, video arraignment ensures greater accessibility, allowing defendants in remote locations, those with disabilities, or those facing health-related challenges to participate in legal proceedings without being physically present. It also allows various types of lawyers to offer timely legal support regardless of location.
Benefits of Video Arraignment in Court
- Conducting remote video arraignment is much cheaper: there is no need to spend money on travel or on staff services. Thus, citizens have better access to justice.
- Virtual courts allow attorneys to handle a large number of cases in a day, and they can litigate in any court in any part of the country.
- Witness testimony can now be provided from a safer environment. Virtual case hearings are less traumatic for children, women, and victims than hearings in a physical courtroom.
- You can view the case files or photo materials with Internet connection at any time.
- There is a huge backlog of cases in the courts, which reduces the confidence of citizens in the judicial system. With the help of video proceedings, cases can be resolved in a timely manner or even faster.
Remote Court Administrator: The Duties
- 1. Invite outside participants, such as legal counsel and litigants, by adding their contact details and case information so they can be notified of the hearing date.
- 2. Add descriptions and links to the case information so that everyone stays informed about the proceedings.
- 3. Add a virtual breakout meeting for quick sidebar conversations during the hearing if necessary.
How to Prepare for Remote Court as a Legal Representative?
1. Minimize Complications
Think ahead about what device you want to use in video hearing. Study the application features, make sure that your camera and microphone are working properly. Also accept the fact that you may face technical difficulties, so take enough time for preparation and testing.
2. Discover Collaboration Tools
Before running a video meeting, make sure you know how to use collaboration tools, such as file, video or photo sharing, etc. You can combine all necessary documents and files in one folder to easily send them to other participants if necessary.
Some courts allow you to use the screen share feature to provide the hearing materials. This tool helps the defense or prosecution to present important evidence and testimony to the court remotely. Make sure there is nothing on your screen that you want others in the trial to see.
3. Observe Traditional Courtroom Decorum
Make sure your demeanor and appearance conform to official style. Be courteous to all participants in the judicial conference. Usually, cases are handled strictly according to court rules. If it is a role-based conference, the moderator invites speakers in a certain order. Use a raise hand function to make comments without interrupting the judge. If you’re a legal professional participating remotely, maintaining professionalism is also crucial for public perception—especially when sessions are recorded or shared online, as it can impact SEO for lawyers and law firms.
4. Monitor your Audio and Video Status
Make sure that you do not create any interference for the court procedure: try to isolate yourself from noizy surroundings and, if possible, blur your background. If it is not your turn to speak, use the audio mute feature to avoid creating unnecessary noise and disable your video. Once your case is called, turn your video back on, unmute yourself, and proceed with your hearing.
Optimize Virtual Court Hearings with the Right Video Conferencing Technology
TrueConf is fully committed to protecting user data and ensuring compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) — the EU regulation that governs how organizations handle personal data of individuals within the European Economic Area.
As a self-hosted video conferencing solution, TrueConf gives organizations complete control over data processing and storage. Unlike many cloud-based services, TrueConf allows meetings and communications to stay within your private network, eliminating the need to transfer sensitive information through third-party servers. This approach supports GDPR principles such as data minimization, purpose limitation, and data sovereignty.
Key GDPR-aligned features of TrueConf include:
- Self-hosted deployment — data never leaves your infrastructure.
- End-to-end encryption — secure communication across all devices.
- Access control and audit logs — maintain transparency and accountability.
- No hidden data collection — clear and fair data processing practices.
TrueConf empowers European companies and government organizations to host secure video meetings while fully respecting the rights of their users and remaining compliant with GDPR.
Zurich Courts Video Conferencing Case Study (TrueConf)
The Zurich Department of Justice and Home Affairs implemented TrueConf Server to modernize court proceedings. The system now supports 45 user accounts, enabling seamless video hearings both inside and outside traditional courtroom settings . Courts use it for remote witness testimony, expert consultations, and initial arraignments—boosting efficiency and saving time.
By avoiding prisoner transport, the solution not only reduces operational costs but also enhances safety and security . Integration with Active Directory and compatibility with SIP/H.323 endpoints has simplified configuration, while users report minimal training is required . According to IT engineer Giovanni Minasi, the setup was “very easy to install and configure,” and the Active Directory integration has been a significant asset .
Read the full case study here.
