Abstract
The notion of appearing before a court of one’s peers before suffering punishment has been a cornerstone of the legal system since the Magna Carta. This has almost always necessitated parties’ physical presence in the courtroom. Courthouses are spaces of immense constitutional importance, manifestations of the judicial branch of government and symbols of the value and importance our society ascribes to the ideal of justice. From the outside, the high ceilings, sets of stairs leading up to the entrance and generally imposing size mark the courthouse as a single identifiable site where society can come together to resolve legal disputes. The specific architectural design of the courthouse supports the fundamental rituals that facilitate procedural fairness, judicial impartiality and enables justice to be seen to be done, cultivating faith in the justice system. However, the introduction of audio-visual technology enabling remote participation in court proceedings is challenging our very understanding of what it means to have your day in court.