Greater Sudbury Police’s courts branch is conducting an internal review and investigating after someone attending virtual court proceedings took screenshots of lawyers and judges.
“It has been reported to us through our courts branch,” said Kaitlyn Dunn, spokesperson for GSPS. “The complaint is in relation to an accused that is currently before the courts. Our court’s officers are conducting an internal review and have initiated an investigation.
“Officers will be speaking with the involved individual. As part of any investigation, officers may warn a party regarding their actions, and if the actions persist, will then follow up through official charges.”
Under the Ontario Court Justice Act, which prohibits persons from attempting to take or taking photos, videos, audio recordings or other recordings at a court hearing, a person found to be in contravention can be fined up to $25,000 or sentenced up to six months in jail or both.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, much of the court proceedings have gone virtual. Rarely, are lawyers, complainants, defendants and judges in the courtroom. Seating for the public has been significantly reduced.
Court by Zoom has presented a host of new issues, such as audio issues, unmuted microphones that allow for background noise interruptions, to name a few.
