Cases about administrative offenses want to be considered remotely

The Duma introduced the draft amendments to the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation aimed at establishing the possibility of participation in the court session by using video conferencing systems (Bill № 460541-7). 

The draft law provides for the introduction of new art in the Administrative Code 29.14, according to which the judge may authorize the use of video conferencing systems in cases involving administrative offences if the participant in the case whose presence in the court session is required has no such opportunity for objective reasons.

Eugene Rozenblat, lawyer of the YUST Law Firm, believes that the use of the video-conferencing system in the consideration of cases of administrative violations will contribute to both saving budgetary funds and expenses of participants, as well as the time of all those involved. "The video conferencing system has long been used in arbitration and civil proceedings, why not fill the gap in the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation? Moreover, the courts for the most part already have the necessary technical equipment" - said Evgeniy to "The Novaya Advokatskaya Gazeta".
At the same time, the expert noted that some unscrupulous participants may try to use the "novelty" in order to delay the process: "Judges should carefully take decisions on applications for participation in the court session by using Video conferencing systems, taking into account the short deadlines for bringing to administrative responsibility. The bill, fortunately, gives the judge the right to resolve the matter on his own initiative".

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