Guide To Virtual Court Sessions - Singapore Courts

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Guide to virtual court sessions

Find out what to be mindful of if your court hearing or session is to be conducted via video conferencing.

What is a virtual court session

A virtual court session is one that is conducted via video conferencing.

Selected court sessions in the State Courts, Family Justice Courts and Supreme Court are held virtually. The court will inform you if your court session will be held via video conferencing.

Who can attend a virtual court session

You can attend a virtual court session if you are a party involved in the case. All virtual court sessions take place as if the parties are in court.

Note: If you are self-represented, ensure that you have your identification document ready to present to the court via the webcam, so that the court can verify your identity.

You should inform the court if there are any other persons present with you at the virtual court session, even if they are not captured in the video. No one should attend the virtual court session if the court is not aware of their presence.

Prepare for your virtual court session

For self-represented litigants:

For lawyers:

Each court has specific guidelines that parties must follow.

Refer to the resources by the court that your case is heard in:

State Courts	Guide to video conferencing with the courts using Zoom (PDF, 550 KB).
Family Justice Courts	Guidelines for use of video or telephone conferencing for hearings (PDF, 142 KB). Technical guide to video conferencing (PDF, 100 KB).
Supreme Court	Guide on the use of video conferencing and telephone conferencing and video conferencing before the duty registrar (PDF, 864 KB).

Where to set up your session

Select an indoor, private and quiet location to participate in the virtual court session, preferably without the presence of children or pets. You should not be outdoors or at a location where other persons who are not parties to the case may listen to the court session.

Be mindful of the backdrop to be shown on screen. Choose a plain backdrop, such as a plain wall, window or blinds.

Naming conventions

The court will only admit you into the virtual court session if you comply with the respective court's naming convention for your display name.

Refer to the naming convention set out in the court notice or correspondence you received for the virtual court session.

At your virtual court session

You should dress and behave in the same way you would if you were to attend a court session physically, except that you do not need to stand or bow towards the State Crest or judge at the start or end of the session, or stand when addressing the court.

What to wear for your virtual court session

You should dress neatly and appropriately as though you are appearing in court in person:

Do: dress in smart casual wear, office wear, or traditional dress.
Do not: wear indecent or offensive clothing, such as singlets or revealing clothing, or be shirtless.

If you are not dressed appropriately, you will not be allowed to participate in the virtual court session.

Conduct for your virtual court session

Follow these guidelines during the virtual court session:

You should....	You should not...
Log in and be ready at least 10 minutes before, or even earlier as indicated in the court notice. Have your materials near you and be prepared for the hearing. Switch all electronic devices to the silent mode. Keep your microphones on mute unless you are speaking. Leave your camera switched on throughout the court session Place the main source of light behind the camera and in front of your face. If possible, use headphones with an attached microphone. Take the cue from the judge to speak. Speak clearly.	Place the main source of light behind you as your face will not be shown properly in its shadow. Drive or walk around during the virtual court session. Interrupt any speaker or speak when it is not your turn to do so. Allow anyone who has not obtained permission from the court to attend the court session.

You should....

You should not...

Log in and be ready at least 10 minutes before, or even earlier as indicated in the court notice.
Have your materials near you and be prepared for the hearing.
Switch all electronic devices to the silent mode.
Keep your microphones on mute unless you are speaking.
Leave your camera switched on throughout the court session
Place the main source of light behind the camera and in front of your face.
If possible, use headphones with an attached microphone.
Take the cue from the judge to speak.
Speak clearly.

Place the main source of light behind you as your face will not be shown properly in its shadow.
Drive or walk around during the virtual court session.
Interrupt any speaker or speak when it is not your turn to do so.
Allow anyone who has not obtained permission from the court to attend the court session.

Note

Videography, photography or audio recording in any form is strictly prohibited. These and the dissemination of any image or recording of the proceedings may amount to contempt of court. (Contempt of court is conduct that interferes with the court's functionality. It is punishable by a fine or imprisonment, or both.)