(a) Video Technology: District judges, the bankruptcy judge, and magistrate
judges may conduct hearings and proceedings using video telecommunications
pursuant to the provisions of this Local Rule. Video hearings may be held in the
following instances:
(1) Criminal proceedings consistent with LR Cr P 43.01,
(2) Civil proceedings, and
(3) Bankruptcy proceedings.
(b) Video Facilities and Equipment: During any hearing or proceeding under
this Local Rule, the Court shall assure that:
(1) The facility and equipment enable counsel to be present personally
with the out-of-court party and to confer privately with such party outside
the reach of the camera and audio microphone.
(2) The judge must be able to fully view the out-of-court party and
counsel, though not necessarily at the same time. The out-of-court party
and counsel must be able to fully view the judge and all attorneys present
in the courtroom, though not necessarily at the same time.
(3) The facility must have the capacity, through video equipment or
through fax or e-mail, to contemporaneously transmit documents and
exhibits.
(4) Color images shall be transmitted in color.
(5) The audio and video transmission shall be of such quality, design and
architecture as to allow easy public viewing of all public proceedings. The
use of video technology in conducting hearings and proceedings shall in no
way abridge any right that the public may have to access the courtroom.
(6) The official record of any proceeding conducted using video
telecommunications shall be made in a manner prescribed by the judicial
officer conducting the proceedings.
(c) Counsel Duty to Notify: Absent an order to the contrary, if a party has a
need to use any type of courtroom technology at a hearing or trial, including the use of
document presentation equipment, video equipment, and/or audio equipment, counsel
must notify the Clerk’s Office of the need for the courtroom technology at least seven (7)
days before the hearing or trial. Counsel shall also be responsible for testing their
equipment with the courtroom technology at least three (3) days prior to the hearing or
trial.
E-Government Act
