Pleading Guilty Via Smartphone Could be the Unfair but Convenient Future

Using a smartphone to plead guilty to a criminal offence may seem convenient, but the Bar Council has warned that Government plans to roll out online pleas, outlined in the recent Queen’s Speech, risk down-playing potentially serious consequences for defendants.

Responding to Government plans to introduce a Courts Bill, similar to the Prisons and Courts Bill which fell at the end of last parliament, Chair of the Bar Andrew Langdon QC said:

“Defendants must be offered a genuine choice about how they enter their plea. They must also be made aware of their right to consult a lawyer.

“Inviting defendants to use an online procedure to indicate a plea risks trivialising potentially serious consequences for those accused of committing offences.”

Other provisions of the Bill outlined today relate to virtual hearings, cross examination and career progression for judges.

The Chair said: “The Bar Council will work closely with Government and parliamentarians to scrutinise and interpret the provisions of the Bill when it is published and to support constructive improvements where necessary.

“Technology has the potential to enhance our system of justice and to provide greater convenience to some court users. If used correctly, it can also save unnecessary expenditure. But we must ensure that convenience and cost do not override other important considerations.”

(Source: The Bar Council)