The legal world’s response to coronavirus has proved that necessity really is the mother of invention.
The outbreak triggered the closure of more than half of the court and tribunal buildings in England and Wales and the suspension of new jury trials.
To keep some cases on track, hearings in the magistrates’ courts, the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court have been conducted entirely remotely, with judges, lawyers, witnesses, interpreters and journalists dialling in for telephone and video proceedings.
Practices that seemed impossible a month ago are rapidly becoming normal. It turns out that justice can be done without wigs, gowns or the majesty of a wood-panelled courtroom and judicial crest.
It can arguably also be done more conveniently and for less money,