Courts and tribunals in England and Wales, and non-devolved tribunals in Scotland, are changing. The way we present evidence and run hearings today looks very different to how it did a few years ago.
Evidence is often shared as video, images or audio. And in some cases, people join hearings remotely. Digital evidence is now common, remote participation is increasingly used, and expectations from court users continue to evolve.
At HMCTS, we are responding to these changes through the Digital Audio-Visual Evolution programme (DAVE). This is a long-term investment in the infrastructure that supports how justice is delivered, and in this first blog, I want to set out what DAVE is, why it matters, and how it is helping to build a modern justice system.
Why we are investing in courtroom technology
Many of our courtrooms rely on audio-visual equipment that has been in place for years. In some cases, that equipment is reaching the end of its life, making it more likely to fail or no longer meet modern requirements.
When systems fail, hearings can be disrupted, leading to delays and increased costs. This can be frustrating for everyone involved, including the public. It can also affect how clearly evidence is presented and understood in the courtroom.
At the same time, the nature of evidence has changed. Video footage, images and recordings are now routinely used, and our courtrooms need to be able to present this material clearly and reliably.
We have also seen a significant increase in remote and hybrid hearings. When used appropriately, these can improve access to justice, particularly for vulnerable users.
DAVE has been developed to respond to all of these changes and ensure that our courtrooms are fit for the future.
What the DAVE programme delivers
The DAVE programme upgrades audio-visual equipment in courtrooms and hearing rooms. Its focuses on:
replacing ageing and unsupported equipment improving the quality of sound and video enabling clearer presentation of digital evidence supporting both in-person and remote participationThis is about putting in place reliable, modern infrastructure that supports how hearings are delivered today.
What this means in practice
When DAVE equipment is installed, courtrooms are fitted with updated technology designed to improve the experience for everyone involved.
This can include:
modern screens so evidence can be clearly seen improved microphones and speakers to support clearer audio cameras that enable remote participation systems that make it easier to present digital evidenceThese improvements support better communication in the courtroom and help hearings run more smoothly and with fewer disruptions.
Progress so far
We are already delivering DAVE across courts and tribunals.
. As of September 2026:
around 385 courtrooms have been refreshed with DAVE equipment HMCTS has around 2,850 courtrooms in total, with approximately 2,020 currently video-enabled (around 70%) DAVE installations represent around 19% of the video-enabled estate 150 courtrooms are planned for delivery during the 2026/27 financial yearDelivering the programme in phases allows us to prioritise investment where it is most needed, while continuing to build momentum across the estate.
Supporting a modern justice system
Improving courtroom technology is a key part of a wider effort to modernise courts and tribunals.
By upgrading audio-visual systems, DAVE helps to:
reduce disruption caused by equipment failures support more consistent and reliable hearings improve how evidence is presented and understood enable greater flexibility in how hearings are carried outUltimately, this supports a justice system that is more accessible, efficient and resilient — for both court users and those working within it.
Looking ahead
DAVE is a long-term programme with a clear direction. Our ambition is to:
support a rolling 10-year refresh cycle across courtrooms expand delivery across Civil, Family and Tribunals increase overall video enablement to around 80% of the estateAs technology continues to evolve, so too will our approach — ensuring our courtrooms remain fit for purpose and able to meet the needs of those who rely on them.
Future blogs will explore in more detail how DAVE is being delivered, what it means for different jurisdictions, and the impact it is having on the day-to-day experience of hearings.
seen at 14:49, 9 October in Inside HMCTS.