Maastricht Symposium: the Launch of the Virtual Criminal Justice Network
Symposium Virtual Criminal Trials
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a rapid and large-scale introduction of video links in criminal courtrooms worldwide, forcing criminal justice systems to confront how digital technologies should be integrated into post-pandemic justice. While virtual proceedings promise efficiency, their implications for procedural fairness, participation, communication, decision-making, and the integrity of the trial process remain complex and contested. These challenges call for a multidisciplinary examination of virtual criminal justice that moves beyond purely legal analysis.
It was against this background that this symposium —held at Maastricht University— brought together international, interdisciplinary, and interprofessional experts to critically assess the use of video links in criminal trials and to launch the International Virtual Criminal Justice Network.
The symposium will consist of three parts:
Key note address: ‘What lessons can be learned from the COVID experience?’ (keynote speaker: prof. Jenia Iontcheva Turner, Professor of Law, SMU Law School, USA)
Interdisciplinary panels: existing research and lacunae on virtual participation in criminal trials Each panel will have two to three presenters, one discussant and a plenary discussion. The task of the discussant is to identify relevant themes and questions for a future research agenda and collaboration.
Launch of International Virtual Criminal Justice Network and setting up future action.
The Symposium is financed by Studio Europa, SWOL and the Universities of Maastricht, Tilburg, Sydney and Lund.
