UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF VERMONT FILED
U.S. DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF VT
03/23/23
In re: ORDER EXTENDING USE OF VIDEO AND
TELEPHONE CONFERENCING UNDER THE
EXIGENT CIRCUMSTANCES CREATED BY
THE COVID-19 EMERGENCY
GENERAL ORDER NO. 118
This order extends the authorization for the use of video and telephone conferencing technology
in light of the continuing COVID-19 national emergency and the protocols still in place in
correctional facilities that house federal defendants in District of Vermont cases.
By General Order No. 116 dated December 21, 2022, the court authorized the extension of the
use of video and telephone hearings in criminal cases through March 22, 2023. Pursuant to the
authority granted in the CARES Act, H.R. 748, the court extends the authorization for an
additional 49 days, through May 10, 2023.
Video access from detention facilities continues to be widely available and in use through the
Zoom platform. Similarly, video access for defense counsel, prosecutors, and released
defendants is available. Audio hearings continue to be authorized, but video is preferred.
Defendants continue to have the right to appear in open court. A video or audio hearing in a
criminal case requires the consent of the defendant.
Video attendance is also available to members of the media and members of the public upon
request. Photography (including screen shots) or recording of court hearings and publication or
broadcast of images or audio of these hearings remain contrary to court rules and will lead to a
loss of access to the video or audio hearing. See F.R.Cr.P. 53; Local Civil Rule 83.2(b).
The authorization to use video and audio includes civil motion hearings and hearings in
bankruptcy cases.
The presiding judge continues to exercise discretion as to the scheduling and conduct of a trial.
The judge, court staff, and counsel will engage in advance planning for each trial in order to
conduct the trial in the safest manner possible.
Dated at Burlington, in the District of Vermont, this 23rd day of March, 2023.
___________________
Geoffrey W. Crawford
Chief Judge
