A Colombian court held its first virtual trial this month. Reuters reported on February 24 that a court case involving parties involved in a traffic dispute was heard on February 15 in the Metaverse.
Virtual representations of the attorneys and defendants involved in the case were created using avatars. In a recent report, Magistrate Maria Quinones Triana, who was dressed in black legal robes, stated that the current case was “more real than a video chat.”
Metaverse Courtrooms: An Innovative Approach to Legal Proceedings
According to research released by CoinWire on January 16 with over 70% of respondents, the metaverse will eventually change social patterns due to new techniques utilized for leisure and activities, which is why the virtual hearing was held.
Initially, early attempts to conduct interviews and meetings in virtual reality were mocked for their cartoonish appearance. However, during the court trial in Colombia, despite some initial technical challenges, such as camera jitters and video distortions, the proceedings were carried out smoothly.
The phrase “metaverse” refers to a large, persistent virtual environment that is completely immersive and engaging. Consider it as a fully developed digital environment that you may enter and explore, just like you would in the real world.
It’s a space where you may interact with others, make and modify things, and take part in many different activities and adventures.
In essence, the metaverse is an extension of the internet, but rather than viewing web pages, you would move around a three-dimensional environment more comparable to a game or virtual reality experience.
Navigating the Challenges of Virtual Hearings
The metaverse is expected to have a substantial impact on our digital lives in the future and may encompass a broad range of activities, such as social networking, online gaming, e-commerce, and education.
Juan David Gutierrez, a professor at the University of Rosario in Colombia, stated that the integration of the metaverse in courtrooms is still in its early stages and has a long way to go. Gutierrez stated that specialized equipment is required for this task, and it is not readily accessible. This raises concerns about the accessibility of justice and whether it is equally available to everyone.
Are Dinosaurs and Avatars Appropriate for Virtual Court Hearings?
Virtual court hearings and other types of meetings became the norm during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses began utilizing the video conferencing system Zoom as governments around the world implemented lockdowns, which increased the price of shares and raised the company’s valuation.
Some viewers raised concerns about the suitability of the metaverse’s use of cartoonish characters in a courtroom setting. A viewer inquired whether it was acceptable to see themselves as a dinosaur character, expressing that it detracts from the seriousness of the matter.
