Power to give direction for participation by live linkN.I.
2(1)A person may, if a court or statutory tribunal so directs, participate in any proceedings in the court or tribunal through a live link.N.I.
(2)A direction may not be given under this paragraph as respects a person's participation in proceedings as a member of a jury.
(3)A direction may be given under this paragraph in respect of a person—
(a)of the court or tribunal's own motion,
(b)on application by the person, or
(c)on application by a party to the proceedings.
(4)A court or tribunal may not give a direction under this paragraph unless the court or tribunal is satisfied that it is in the interests of justice to do so.
(5)In deciding whether to give a direction under this paragraph, the court or tribunal must consider all the circumstances of the case.
(6)Those circumstances include (in particular)—
(a)the views of the person;
(b)the views of the parties to the proceedings;
(c)public health interests.
(7)Where a court or tribunal refuses an application for a direction under this paragraph, it must—
(a)state openly its reasons for doing so, and
(b)if it is a magistrates' court, cause the reasons to be entered in the Order Book.
(8)Power of a court or tribunal to give a direction under this paragraph is additional to, and does not limit, any other power of the court or tribunal.