Video-Link Court Appearances in Queensland – Inadequate Systems
In one year, approximately 30,180 prisoners appeared by video-link in the Queensland Magistrates Courts. 1,855 prisoners were transported to Court. [1]
The practice saves the taxpayers at least $6 million per year. [2]
For many (most?) of these appearances, there is still no system in place for these clients to consult with a lawyer before and after their appearance. Occasionally, the courtroom is emptied for a semi-private conversation to occur.
20 years ago, when I attended Magistrates Courts in England, there were booths and timeslots for lawyers to speak with their client before and after the appearance.
Some of the the huge amount of money saved should be invested in better facilities.
Further savings would result. Some cases would be finalised sooner, rather than adjourned for legal advice and instructions.
For sentencing hearings, the law requires these facilities to be provided. [3]
[1] These figures are for the 2021-2022 financial year and derive from Queensland Corrective Services. So they will not include the prisoners who appeared from police facilities.
CRIMINAL PROCEDURE REVIEW MAGISTRATES COURTS VOLUME ONE: SUMMARY REPORT 2023 10.35 pages 128-129
https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/ckan-publications-attachments-prod/resources/0dd04def-fece-4f27-b876-2072a5f4802c/cpr-magistrates-courts-summary-report-2023-volume-1.pdf
[2] Assuming each transport of a prisoner to Court costs at least $200. I suspect it is much more.
[3] Section 15A Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 . A classic example of rules colliding with what’s possible in practice.