Justice and Nonverbal Communication in a Post-pandemic World: An Evidence-Based Commentary and Cautionary Statement for Lawyers and Judges

Abstract

On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization officially declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The new physical distancing rules have had many consequences, some of which are felt throughout the justice system. Courts across the world limited their operations. Nonetheless, given that justice delayed is justice denied, many jurisdictions have turned to technologies for urgent matters. This paper offers an evidence-based comment and caution for lawyers and judges who could be inclined, for concerns such as cost and time saving, to permanently step aside from in-person trials. Using nonverbal communication research, in conjunction with American and Canadian legal principles, we argue that such a decision could harm the integrity of the justice system.

The use of demeanour to assess the credibility of child victims in sexual interference trials

“…This question, however, is highly relevant. Because a major difference between testifying modalities lies in the observation and appraisal of nonverbal behaviour (Denault & Patterson, 2021), and children testifying via live CCTV can be judged more negatively than children testifying in person (Goodman et al, 1998; Orcutt et al, 2001; see also Given‐Wilson & Memon, 2022). However, those limitations in no way make the results of our descriptive study any less relevant.…”

“Court Can Happen Anywhere”: Courtroom Workgroup Members’ Perceptions of the Challenges and Opportunities of a Transformed Workplace

“…Drawbacks associated with virtual proceedings include concerns related to constitutionality (Ariturk et al, 2020; Bannon & Keith, 2021; Chang, 2020; Turner, 2020) and technical difficulties (e.g., delays in sound and background noise), which can decrease the perceived legitimacy and professionalism of the court (Bateson, 2020; Bermant & Woods, 1994; Denault & Patterson, 2020; McKay, 2018). Virtual proceedings can also deepen the digital divide, defined as the gap in access to modern information and communications technology, depriving clients who are indigent of virtual court access (Nir & Musial, 2022).…”

Комплексність Складу Доброчесності Суддів В Контексті Новітніх Тенденцій Правової Реальності

“…Важливо, що використання таких додатків також піднімає ряд питань, які зазвичай ігноруються, пов'язані з роллю невербальної комунікації під час особистого спілкування. Такі загрози дистанційного правосуддя можуть спричинити серйозні загрози належному перебігу судового розгляду [5]. Дистанційне правосуддя вимагає додаткових оновлених правил щодо учасників судового процесу, ролі та поведінки судді.…”