What Is a Virtual Court Hearing?
A virtual hearing is when all relevant parties to a legal case appear over one or more phone lines or via video conferencing instead of appearing in person for a court hearing. Many judges have conducted some proceedings via phone calls for several years. Most of these conversations addressed preliminary or status issues. Courts held few, if any, trials virtually.
Today, courts in most states are hearing actual court proceedings over video conferencing platforms such as Zoom. The judge controls how and when each party can participate in the hearing or trial.
Like in-person hearings, all legal matters requiring a court reporter or lawful transcription service are recorded and available for review.
Online Court Hearings are Lawful
The Constitution states that anyone charged with a crime has the right to be heard by a jury of their peers. How the jury hears the case is evolving. When government authorities temporarily halted court proceedings during the COVID-19 pandemic, court administrators began to evaluate how to proceed with court action.
How Do Virtual Court Hearings Work?
When a court or judge decides to hold a virtual hearing, they will notify the respective attorneys and parties to the case. The office of the court clerk is typically responsible for notifying the parties.
Advancements in technology allow participants to easily participate in remote hearings via video conferences such as Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom. Zoom is by far the most popular video platform. Nevertheless, opting for Microsoft Teams on a laptop or cell phone offers a practical, effortless solution.
Zoom’s popularity among court officers features such as the “waiting room,” the ability to record, and virtual break-out rooms for confidential discussions.
How Do I Participate In a Virtual Hearing?
Participating in a virtual lawful hearing is relatively simple. Since Zoom is widely used for virtual lawful hearings, let’s use it as an example. Below are the tools and knowledge needed to participate in a virtual court hearing:
- Access to video conferencing software or app
- Reliable & secure internet connection
- Valid phone number & email account
- Updated computer or tablet
- Ability to use & operate technology
- Private space in the home or office
Using Zoom For a Court Hearing
First, you’ll need to install the Zoom app on your smartphone or tablet or download the program on a laptop or desktop computer. Installation is relatively simple so follow the directions. You’ll also be required to establish an account with whatever platform you use, which requires an active email account.
Next, make sure you have a strong cellular or WiFi signal. The best method is to access a private WiFi connection. Accessing a public WiFi system isn’t recommended for security reasons, and performance may be suboptimal. Using a smartphone, you can access the hearing via a cellular phone signal. Make certain the signal is strong and that you remain in a stationary position throughout the hearing.
Once you have downloaded or installed the app, it’s recommended that you acquaint yourself with the app’s features by completing a practice call with a friend or family member. That way, you’ll know what to expect the first time you appear at your virtual hearing.
Setting Up For Your Remote Hearing
Before your virtual court hearing, you will receive a link or phone number to access the hearing. Like any court proceeding, failure to appear at a virtual hearing is the same as failing to appear in person. To ensure ample notice before any proceeding, install an audio or video conferencing platform and familiarize yourself with its use.
Most judges will place all the participants in a “waiting room” until they are needed.
Remember: all participants, from attorneys to defendants, witnesses, or whoever is participating, must observe and follow the same rules as if they were physically in court. Often, judges will mute participants until their verbal response is required.
It’s also important that everyone can hear you clearly. Most computers and smartphones have decent to good microphones. However, using earphones or a high-quality microphone will enhance audio quality.
You must dress and appear the same as if you are physically attending a courtl proceeding. Judges still maintain the right to hold participants in contempt for not following rules or potentially charging someone with perjury if they provide false testimony.
Ordering transcripts for your virtual hearings
You will be able to order your court transcripts the same as if you were in court in person and have them available to review. Getting your court transcripts for a virtual court hearing is just as important as if you were in a traditional court hearing.
