Northern Ireland extends court live links to Sept 2026
Northern Ireland has kept the switch for remote justice on a little longer. On 16 March 2026, the Department of Justice made Statutory Rule 2026 No. 55 extending the Coronavirus Act 2020 provisions that let courts and tribunals use video or audio “live links”. The new expiry date is 24 September 2026. The Order has been laid before the Northern Ireland Assembly for approval within 40 days of being made, as required by section 96(2) of the Act. It is sealed with the Department’s Official Seal and signed by the Minister of Justice, Naomi Long. We’ve broken down what this means and how to watch legally and safely.
If you’ve not come across the term before, a “live link” is simply a secure video or audio connection used in a hearing. It can let a defendant, witness, lawyer, judge or observer join from a different location, including a court’s remote viewing room. Judges decide if a live link is appropriate for fairness and efficiency; many hearings still happen fully in person.
What has been extended are Parts 1 and 2 of Schedule 27 to the Coronavirus Act 2020, plus the part of section 57 that controls when those provisions expire. In plain English, Part 1 allows wider use of live video or audio across all courts and statutory tribunals. Part 2 keeps open justice in view by enabling public participation when live links are used, while protecting hearings from unauthorised recording or retransmission. That last line is lifted from the official explanatory note on legislation.gov.uk and is central for anyone watching remotely.
This is a short, time‑boxed extension. A previous Order in 2025 (S.R. 2025 No. 151) had already pushed the sunset to 24 March 2026. The new instrument moves that date to 24 September 2026, so the remote options continue through spring and summer 2026.
Transparency matters here. When live links are used, courts can enable controlled public access, sometimes by streaming to a room in a court building or by providing a supervised online link for accredited media and members of the public. Open justice remains the starting point, but access is actively managed so proceedings are not disrupted and participants are protected.
Recording remains off‑limits. The Order’s explanatory note makes clear that these provisions protect proceedings from unauthorised recordings or transmission. That means no screenshots, no screen‑recording, and no sharing clips. Treat a remote hearing just as you would a seat in the public gallery: you can observe, you can take careful written notes, and you must follow the judge’s directions at all times.
If you’re a student or teacher planning to observe, expect a few practical steps. You may be asked to request access in advance, keep your camera and microphone off unless told otherwise, identify yourself to the clerk, and stick to any ground rules set by the judge. Professional behaviour matters online too; joining a little early, muting notifications and being ready to leave if access is restricted all help the court run smoothly.
On process, the Department of Justice has made the Order and laid it before the Assembly for approval within 40 days of 16 March 2026, as the legislation requires. In practice, MLAs will scrutinise and debate it. Following the Assembly’s timetable will tell you when that happens. The Order sets the new expiry date while bringing the decision to a public forum for sign‑off.
For the next six months, the position is straightforward. Remote hearings remain available across Northern Ireland’s courts and tribunals until 24 September 2026. Public access continues where judges choose to use live links, but recording is prohibited. If you plan to watch for study or reporting, read the joining instructions carefully and follow them exactly. That’s how we all support open justice-online and in the courtroom.