Video conferencing in criminal procedural law

The rapid advancement of digital technology has directly impacted the field of law, leading to the development of various information systems designed to conduct judicial processes more effectively, expeditiously, and securely. To facilitate the uninterrupted and sound administration of judicial activities, several technical facilities integrated into the UYAP system have been implemented in courts. One of these facilities, effectively utilized in Turkish criminal proceedings, is the video conferencing application Ses ve Görüntü Bilişim Sistemi (SEGBİS). Through SEGBİS, it is aimed to enhance the efficiency of trials, provide time and cost savings, and particularly increase legal certainty. While the use of video conferencing offers practical advantages in judicial proceedings, it has simultaneously sparked various legal controversies. The degree to which the essential components of the right to a fair trial are upheld via this system remains a significant matter that requires assessment under the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). This research evaluates the legislative framework governing video conferencing and examines its implications for the right to a fair trial.