Presiding over court proceedings and video hearings in judicial practice

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Published: May 22, 2026

How can a court hearing be conducted in a manner that is both efficient and fair? What opportunities does the use of video technology offer in court proceedings? And what implications does this have for key procedural principles such as the recording of proceedings, the assessment of evidence and the handling of expert witnesses?

These questions were the focus of a two-day hybrid seminar organised by IRZ on 12 and 13 May 2026 in Amman, in collaboration with the Jordanian Judicial Academy. The event was aimed at Jordanian judges and addressed the conduct of court hearings as well as the use of video hearings in criminal and civil practice.

In addition to the current state of implementation in Jordan, the seminar focused in particular on the role and responsibilities of the presiding judge, the structuring of the main hearing, ensuring a fair trial, and safeguarding the procedural rights of the parties involved. Another key focus was on legal and practical issues relating to digital hearings, such as the taking of evidence and examinations via video, as well as with regard to the rights of the defence, public access, immediacy and the search for truth.

The event highlighted that the conduct of hearings and digital forms of proceedings do not merely concern organisational matters, but are directly linked to procedural fairness, effective case management, and modern judicial practice.

The IRZ believes there is a continuing need for in-depth professional discussion regarding specific applications of digital hearings and practical guidelines for fair and structured court management.