Supreme Court Eases Rules on Police Testimony via Audio and Video

The Supreme Court has amended its procedural rules to make it easier for police officers to give evidence through audio and video conferencing.

A new clause has been added to Article 3 of the Rules on Conducting Court Hearings and Trials by Audio and Video Conferencing. The article outlines the circumstances under which remote testimony may be permitted, with the latest amendment specifically addressing situations involving police witnesses.

Under the revised rules, police officers may now provide testimony remotely in several instances. These include cases where an officer is unable to attend court due to official duties, when participation in a training programme would otherwise be disrupted by a court appearance, and when a witness is located in a different island from where the court is situated.

The changes have already come into effect, according to the Supreme Court.