Family judge to be replaced in a children case after being overheard on a Zoom call making comments
Recent case C (A Child) [2020] emphasises the need to follow correct remote court procedure.
The Judge’s closed laptop was taken to his room after court proceedings, but the remote link to the court room remained open. Those still listening to the hearing were able to overhear the Judge’s private telephone conversation.
Ruling in the appeal, Lady Justice King stressed that there was no suggestion that Mrs Justice Judd had demonstrated any bias prior to her overheard comment.
The case reminds us all of the need to use the use the new remote technology in court proceedings with care. Especially due to the increased pressure family law professionals and court users at all levels are feeling in the current unusual circumstances.