By Bonnie Ross, Amy Pisani and Sara Rahman. 

This study presents insights from interviews with judicial officers, legal practitioners, and other justice professionals, exploring their views on the benefits and drawbacks of using audio visual links (AVL) in criminal court proceedings, along with suggestions for improving practice. 

 Key findings 

•  Advantages of AVL use – Interviewees emphasized the convenience of AVL, particularly for participants located in different regional and remote areas, and the comfort it offers to non-professional court users such as witnesses and defendants. These advantages contribute to a court process that is quicker, more cost-efficient, and more accessible for all involved. 

• Disadvantages of AVL use - The main concerns raised were around inadequate infrastructure and a loss of human connection, including diminished emotional engagement and interaction. These issues can lead to a court experience that feels impersonal and disconnected. 

• Future of AVL in court proceedings – There was broad agreement among interviewees that remote participation via AVL is a lasting feature of the justice system. Many believe that current challenges, particularly around usability and engagement, can be improved through enhanced infrastructure and technology upgrades

 Sydney: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research., 2025. 14p.

By Scott Peterson, Ian Lambie, Claire Cartwright

Despite dropping crime rates and prison muster, pretrial population rates in New Zealand are growing faster than in other OECD nations, risking negative impacts on defendants and communities. Fourteen defendants and 18 stakeholders were interviewed about a bail support service's strengths and weaknesses. Officer-training quality, communication between stakeholders and access to practical and cultural resources were crucial to success. Defendants reported that professional staff support and having access to services were the most helpful aspects. Changes were positive overall, but the programme's implementation, resources (especially lack of housing suitable for bail), and structure (within changing pretrial legislation) were of concern.

The Howard Journal of Crime and Justice , 21 April 2024, 21 pages