Audio Visual Link testing for remand prisoner appearances completed
Information relating to Auckland AVL testing
Overview
Testing of AVL for the appearance of defendants in custody has been conducted between Courtroom 2 at Auckland District Court and Mt Eden Corrections Facility (MECF) from 23 August 2010 till 28 February 2011. Civil matters were not affected by the testing of AVL in courtroom 2.
Testing in the criminal jurisdiction focused on using AVL for the appearance of defendants in custody at MECF. This included defendants appearing for one of the following hearings:
- Callovers (jury trial)
- Bail applications
- Suppression hearings
- Electronic-monitoring bail applications
- Further remands (list appearances)
- Post-committal conferences (PCC).
Defendants in custody may appear by AVL in any other proceedings at the direction of the judicial officer.
The testing was monitored and reviewed after the six months of testing and the results (Summary Report) are being used to inform any further rollouts of AVL in courts and prisons. The purpose of a phased approach is to enable court participants to become comfortable with the technology and fully assess the benefits it will deliver.
The use of AVL between Courtroom 2 and MECF continues as has been transitioned into business as usual.
Courtroom 2 and Mt Eden Corrections Facility
New AVL equipment was installed in courtroom 2 and MECF. While appearing via AVL the defendant was able to see and hear what is happening in the court and also able to see part of the public gallery. In the public gallery there are specific seats where family members, victims, or those interested in being seen by the defendant can be seated, subject to the appropriate prior arrangements being made.
There is a handset in both the courtroom and the AVL booth at the prison to allow counsel to take last minute instructions from their client. This handset replaces last minute instructions that would normally be taken at the dock.
Instructions Suite
Lawyers have able to use the instructions suite to communicate with clients in advance of AVL hearings, in order to take instructions in a secure and private environment.
Only counsel with bookings made through the AVL co-ordinator are permitted in the instructions suite and there are security measures in place to prevent unauthorised access. Counsel need to complete the Instructions Suite Booking Form and send it to the AVL coordinator.
Information for court participants
The Ministry of Justice and Department of Corrections have developed AVL Operating Guidelines, and it is recommended that Auckland court participants familiarise themselves with these in advance of appearing for an AVL appearance.
This pamphlet gives Defence Counsel an overview of AVL for the criminal jurisdiction in the Auckland District Court.
Auckland based lawyers and prosecutors are encouraged to take the opportunity to attend training. To attend a training session, please email the Court AVL coordinator. For more information also refer to the Guide for Court Participants.
Judicial Protocol
The Chief District Court Judge has issued a Judicial Protocol in July 2010. The Protocol has been developed to support the initial testing of AVL for remand prisoner appearances in Auckland District Court and Mount Eden / Auckland Central Remand Prison.
AVL and In-Court Media Coverage
Applications can be made for access to the AVL feed of the defendant in custody. This is done in the same way as the process for in-court media coverage. For process for in-court media coverage is set out in the in-court media coverage guidelines 2003.
If an application is granted for access to the AVL of the defendant, the media will be able to access the live feed from plugs located behind the press bench in courtroom 2 at the Auckland District Court.
Contacts
All media enquiries should be direct to:
Public Information
Phone: (04) 918 8836 or (027) 689 0667
Email: courts.media@justice.govt.nz
