Inner House launches regular live stream appeal service

Scotland's highest civil court will live stream the first appeal hearing today under a new regular streaming service, known as Court of Session live.

The service will allow cases to be viewed remotely by the public, improving access, openness, and transparency within the court. The project builds on the successful live streaming which has already taken place in a number of cases.

New equipment has been installed in court 1 at Parliament House, Edinburgh and will be controlled by a camera operator to ensure high standards of audio and visual output. 

The first case to be live streamed under the new service is Lagan Construction Group Ltd v Scots Roads Partnership & Ferrovial Construction, a dispute arising from a motorway upgrading project. The hearing begins at 10.30am today, 27 June. The Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service website will provide information on upcoming cases, including the first instance opinion, a case summary, and a link to the live feed.

Lord Pentland, the Inner House judge who is leading the project, said the new service would help to inform and educate the public about the work of the judiciary and the court, and allow interested parties to view proceedings when they are unable to attend in person. It would provide the media with greater access to cases to assist with informed and accurate reporting, and allow academics and students to engage with the court process in a more convenient way.

He commented: "Justice being dispensed in public is one of the most fundamental principles we have in this country and absolutely central to the running of the justice system. It reinforces the independence, integrity and stability of our courts.

"Technology presents us with the opportunity to widen public access and make the courts more visible and accessible. We must seize that opportunity and ensure that the principle of open justice continues to be upheld in a world where almost everything can be done online."

The judge concluded: "This is an exciting initiative for the courts and an important step in ensuring justice is seen to be done in a manner fit for a modern court system."

Eric McQueen, Chief Executive of SCTS added: "The technology we now have at our disposal means that we can open up the courts to a wider audience – without the need for physical attendance – increasing both access to justice and transparency of the courts.

"The launch of Court of Session Live is a further significant step along the road, using digital innovation where appropriate to support justice."