British criminals will be tried virtually.

The Parliament of Great Britain will soon consider a bill that provides an introduction to the jurisprudence of the so-called "virtual courts". On this Monday, May 18, writes newspaper The Times.
The bill requires that the defendants do not have to be delivered to the court: In consideration of their cases, they will participate by video conference. In such a situation, said the publication, the first meeting could be held just a few hours after being charged, while the suspect is still at the police station.
It is anticipated that the system of virtual courts significantly speed up the proceedings. According to authorities, it will enable budget savings of about 10 million pounds annually.
However, says The Times, there are fears that the new limit, first, the ability of lawyers to protect the defendants, and secondly, the opportunities for media coverage of the trial. In addition, opponents of "virtual courts" assume that if such a system, a suspect would be more difficult to go on bail, as they may not have time to gather all the necessary papers before the trial.
It is anticipated that virtual courts will operate in the territory of England and Wales in 2010.
It is also reported that the defendants would be given the choice between an ordinary court and the virtual, but they will need to make a choice at the outset and will not be able to change his decision during the proceedings.