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I'm a member of the bar, and my practice is predominantly crime. I have never, ever had a meaningful conference with any client on video link. Video links may serve a purpose for interlocutory hearings, such as pre-trial reviews, where the input of the accused is nugatory; or a sentencing hearing in cases where the accused doesn't want to risk losing his cell. But for first appearances, when lawyers need to take instructions, video links are so futile to be insulting to both lawyer and client. This is not a problem unique to youth justice.