Advocacy Problems in Virtual Criminal Trials

Abstract

The Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) pandemic has caused criminal case trials to be held virtually. There are objections from advocates regarding the virtual trial of criminal cases. Advocates also question the guarantee of the fulfillment of the right to a fair trial. The purpose of this study was to determine and examine the implementation of advocacy for defendants by advocates in virtual criminal case trials and the obstacles faced about the implementation of advocacy for defendants by advocates in virtual criminal case trials. The approach used in this research is the legal approach. This research data collection technique was carried out through conventional and online literature searches. The data analysis technique used in this study is qualitative because the data is presented in a narrative-descriptive manner. The results showed that the advocate for the defendant was intended to provide legal assistance, confront and provide instructions to the defendant regarding the steps and efforts that must be taken while in front of the trial, and assist the defendant in acting. This of course will be difficult to obtain if the advocate cannot accompany the defendant directly during the virtual trial. In the end, the fulfillment of the defendant's rights in examining cases in court will be neglected. The obstacles faced by advocates in assisting defendants during online criminal case trials are the limited courtroom that has a teleconference device, unstable internet network that can even be disconnected, unclear timing of the trial, limited communication and coordination between the defendant and the advocate due to the defendant being in the office. correctional institutions or state detention centers, access to assistance by advocates for defendants also cannot be as flexible as a direct trial before a court, this will certainly affect the overall evidentiary process.