Legally speaking, the term “in absentia” is Latin for “in absence.” It refers to a legal proceeding or trial involving an individual who is not present, either because they have been excused or because they did not appear or cannot enter the court for some other reason.
Consequences of ‘In Absentia’ Trials
It is important to understand the implications of an in absentia trial; if found guilty, individuals who are absent during the proceedings may be unable to challenge the court’s decision. This consequence can have a considerable impact on business matters, as decisions regarding company assets, the disbursement of funds, and other factors could be made without the knowledge or consent of those affected. Additionally, a guilty verdict in absentia carries the same legal weight and has the same repercussion as any other court’s decision.
Examples and Comportation in the Age of Technology
In one case, a manager of a small business who lived abroad was unable to attend a court hearing regarding the division of company assets. Since he was not present, the judge made the decision in absentia — without the manager’s input or permission — resulting in the disbursement of funds that were not in accordance with the manager’s wishes. In the age of technology, businesses must take additional care to ensure that everyone can participate in legal proceedings, no matter their location. Technology such as teleconferencing and video calls can be used to ensure that everyone involved in a court case can participate, regardless of their whereabouts.
The Takeaway
The term “in absentia” refers to a trial or legal proceeding involving someone who is not present. Failing to attend the hearing can have a significant impact on the verdict, potentially resulting in unforeseen consequences that could affect businesses. With this in mind, in the age of digital technology, businesses should utilize solutions such as teleconferencing and video calls to help ensure that all parties affected by trial outcomes can take part in the proceedings.