Greens pave the way for video hearings in administrative and civil proceedings

2023-04-28 10:41:26

Prammer: “Adaptation to modern times makes the rule of law more citizen-friendly”

Vienna (OTS) – “A modern constitutional state has to ensure that access to justice is up to date. With the permanent establishment of video hearings, we are living up to this claim,” says Agnes Prammer, spokeswoman for the Greens for justice and the constitution, on the draft law sent for review today on “negotiations using technical equipment for word and image transmission”.

Originally a result of the health requirements of the corona pandemic, this proven instrument is now to be converted into permanent law so that it can continue to be available to the population. “The pandemic has created new forms of cooperation that many people now take for granted. Adapting procedural law to the new technological possibilities is therefore an important step with which we can make the rule of law more efficient, citizen-friendly and faster, for example by eliminating long journeys, ”says the MP.

When drafting the law, it was ensured that negotiating parties cannot be put in a worse position as a result of the new regulation. Rule of law principles would be preserved to the highest degree. Anyone who wants to physically take part in a negotiation as a party can continue to do so in person. When it comes to site inspections or whether statements by witnesses are credible, physical negotiations will continue, Prammer explains.

According to Prammer, the law should be passed before the summer break in Parliament.