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Guide to virtual court sessions
What is a virtual court session
A virtual court session is one that is conducted via video conferencing.
Selected court sessions in the State Courts, Family Justice Courts and Supreme Court are held virtually. The court will inform you if your court session will be held via video conferencing.
Who can attend a virtual court session
You can attend a virtual court session if you are a party involved in the case. All virtual court sessions take place as if the parties are in court.
Note: If you are self-represented, ensure that you have your identification document ready to present to the court via the webcam, so that the court can verify your identity.
You should inform the court if there are any other persons present with you at the virtual court session, even if they are not captured in the video. No one should attend the virtual court session if the court is not aware of their presence.
Prepare for your virtual court session
For self-represented litigants:
To better prepare yourself for a virtual court session, you may refer to the checklist below:
For lawyers:
Each court has specific guidelines that parties must follow.
Refer to the resources by the court that your case is heard in:
State Courts | Guide to video conferencing with the courts using Zoom (PDF, 550 KB). |
Family Justice Courts |
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Supreme Court | Guide on the use of video conferencing and telephone conferencing and video conferencing before the duty registrar (PDF, 864 KB). |
Where to set up your session
Select an indoor, private and quiet location to participate in the virtual court session, preferably without the presence of children or pets. You should not be outdoors or at a location where other persons who are not parties to the case may listen to the court session.
Be mindful of the backdrop to be shown on screen. Choose a plain backdrop, such as a plain wall, window or blinds.
Note
For Family Justice Courts (FJC) virtual court sessions, unrepresented parties may come down to the FJC to use the Zoom facilities provided, if they are unable to find a suitable location to participate in the virtual session.
Naming conventions
The court will only admit you into the virtual court session if you comply with the the respective court's naming convention for your display name.
Refer to the naming convention set out in the court notice or correspondence you received for the virtual court session.
At your virtual court session
You should dress and behave in the same way you would if you were to attend a court session physically, except that you do not need to stand or bow towards the State Crest or judge at the start or end of the session, or stand when addressing the court.
What to wear for your virtual court session
You should dress neatly and appropriately as though you are appearing in court in person:
- Do: dress in smart casual wear, office wear, or traditional dress.
- Do not: wear indecent or offensive clothing, such as singlets or revealing clothing, or be shirtless.
If you are not dressed appropriately, you will not be allowed to participate in the virtual court session.
Conduct for your virtual court session
Follow these guidelines during the virtual court session:
You should.... | You should not... |
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Note
Videography, photography or audio recording in any form is strictly prohibited. These and the dissemination of any image or recording of the proceedings may amount to contempt of court. (Contempt ofcourt is conduct that interferes with the court's functionality. It is punishable by a fine or imprisonment, or both.)
Related questions
If your case is held in the State Courts, you may inform the court at least 7 days before the virtual court session so that the court can give any directions needed.
If your case is held in the Family Justice Courts (FJC), you may arrange to use video conferencing facilities available at the courts.
Contact the court for more information:
- For maintenance, maintenance mediation, deputyship, adoption, probate and personal protection matters: fjc_maintpos@judiciary.gov.sg.
- For all other matters: fjc_family_registry@judiciary.gov.sg.
If your case is held in the Supreme Court and you have any concerns attending by video conferencing and would like to attend in person instead, you may write in to inform the court within the time specified in the notice you received for the court session.
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