Literature Review for Videoconferencing in Court 'E-Justice-Kingdom of Bahrain'

摘要

Videoconferencing is becoming more popular and reliable as a tool to avoid bringing criminal defendants to courts for certain proceedings; and allows children to testify without facing the criminal. This article is a literature review to evaluate the using videoconferencing technology and argues against the traditional practice especially for physical or sexual abuse children as witnesses of violent acts. It brings to bear the literature from several countries and addresses these specific situations. The literature suggests that videoconferencing have a positive impact on the way the court is practicing the justice system. The authors argue that the courts should start equipping their courtroom with reliance videoconferencing tools and utilize modern communication technology. Additionally, the authors advocate that the courts should take serious steps to apply a well-structure of videoconferencing systems and start designing a strategic plan of training needs of those who participate in videoconference proceedings. The courts in the Kingdom of Bahrain lacks such remote testimonies technology. Finally, the authors conclude by stressing that courts with videoconferencing equipment can enhance the communication between children and defendants and their attorneys and enhance the quality of procedures and suggest the use of such technology in children cases as a first area of videoconferencing application in Kingdom of Bahrain courts. Further, qualitative studies should be undertaken to evaluate the impact of the technology in criminal proceedings especially for children.