Section 502.1 — Criminal Code: Appearance of the accused

Except as otherwise provided in this Part, an accused who is required to appear in a proceeding under this Part shall appear in person but may appear by audioconference or videoconference, if arrangements are made with the court in advance and those arrangements are satisfactory to the justice. Despite section 714.1, a witness in Canada who is required to give evidence in a proceeding under this Part may do so by audioconference or videoconference, if it is satisfactory to the justice. For greater certainty, sections 714.2 to 714.8 apply when a witness outside Canada gives evidence in a proceeding under this Part. A participant , as defined in subsection 715.25(1), who is to participate in a proceeding under this Part shall participate in person but may participate by audioconference or videoconference, if it is satisfactory to the justice. The justice who is to preside at a proceeding under this Part shall preside in person but may preside by audioconference or videoconference, if the justice considers it necessary in the circumstances.