Advances in technology have significantly transformed the way court hearings are conducted, introducing many new solutions. Both the Code of Civil Procedure and the Code of Criminal Procedure allow the person to be heard by means of telecommunication, i.e. online.
However, IM Decree 15/2025 (10.12.2026), in force since February 2026, also creates the possibility of online publication. Under the new regulation, the public can now participate in hearings online, not just in person.
The principle of publicity
The principle of openness of judicial proceedings is one of the fundamental principles of justice, laid down in Article XXVIII of the Fundamental Law. It is a principle of guaranteeing the transparency and accountability of the judiciary. The possibility of public scrutiny helps to ensure that the courts and other officials involved in the proceedings act in a truly independent and impartial manner, subject only to the law.
Rules for online participation
With the development of technology, the possibility has arisen to allow the audience to participate in the discussions online, not just in person. The detailed rules for this are laid down in IM Decree 15/2025 (XII. 10.), which will enter into force in February 2026.
The Regulation requires that a suitable internet connection and the device used are a condition for access to live streaming of the hearing.
Pre-registration is an additional condition for registration. You can register online as a listener from the start of the fifth day before the scheduled hearing until 12 noon on the day before the hearing, using the registration form at the National Court Registry. The first 100 natural persons of legal age who successfully register as online listeners will be admitted to the hearing. Students studying law or political science at higher education institutions, as well as lecturers and researchers in these fields, have priority registration rights.
It is forbidden to make any image or sound recording of the online broadcast or to make it public. Any recording or publication of the material of the hearing may lead to criminal or civil liability.
The introduction of online mediation is a major step forward, but it is essential that the courts have the technical conditions in place and ensure the stable operation of the system to ensure its proper functioning.
