Video recording of oral evidence

In the future, the oral evidence received in the district court will be recorded on video, i.e. as an audio and video recording. A witness, an expert or another person to be heard for evidentiary purposes may be heard orally in court.

The reform is to enter into force on 1 October 2026, and the new procedure is to be applied in all main hearings of the district courts that begin after 30 September 2026. 

In the future, when an appeal is filed against a district court’s decision, the court of appeal and the Supreme Court will receive oral evidence from a video recording. That is, witnesses and other persons heard in court will no longer need to go to present their testimony again.

At the appeal stage, the audio-visual recording is generally viewed in the presence of the parties and any members of the public in the court of appeal and the Supreme Court. However, in certain circumstances, the court may view the recording without the presence of the parties and members of the public.

The publicity of image and sound recordings is determined in accordance with the provisions on the secrecy of court documents. The protection of the privacy of persons appearing in video- and audio recordings has been ensured.

Outside the courtroom, only the audio part of the audio-visual recordings may be provided. The video and audio recordings may be viewed at the premises of the court. The person viewing the recording must not be in possession of any recording equipment.