How Will County Judges are Conducting Hearings on Zoom: Everything You Need to Know

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many industries to shift towards remote work, and the legal system is no exception to this. County judges across the country have been conducting virtual hearings via Zoom to keep up with their caseloads while minimizing the risk of spreading the virus in courtrooms.

Setting up the Zoom hearing

To attend a virtual hearing on Zoom, you will require a stable internet connection, a computer with a built-in camera and microphone, or a webcam and headphones. Once you receive the hearing information from the court, you need to download and install Zoom software for your computer or mobile device and complete the sign-in process. The court will provide the necessary meeting ID and password to access the hearing.

The conduct of the hearing

During the virtual hearing, the judge and attorneys will appear on the screen, and participants will be required to wait in the virtual waiting room until their cases are called. The proceedings will operate similarly to an in-person hearing, with the judge hearing from the parties, considering evidence, making rulings, and issuing orders on cases.

Guidelines to follow during the hearing

While attending a virtual hearing on Zoom, it’s important to follow some guidelines to make the most out of the situation. These guidelines include –

• Mute your microphone unless it’s your turn to speak to reduce background noise.
• Dress appropriately, as if you were attending an in-person hearing.
• Don’t eat or drink during the hearing to maintain professionalism.
• Be punctual and log in to Zoom at least 15 minutes before the hearing begins to check your connection and troubleshoot issues if any.

Advantages and disadvantages of virtual hearings

Virtual hearings have their set of advantages and disadvantages. The benefits include –

• Reduced commute and travel time for attorneys, witnesses, and parties.
• Can accommodate more people, as there is no physical space limitation.
• Gives more flexibility in scheduling the hearing at mutually convenient times.

The disadvantages include –

• Technical glitches could sabotage the hearing, leading to confusion, delays, or rescheduling.
• Difficulty in checking and verifying the identity of parties and witnesses, leading to concerns about authenticity and credibility.
• Lack of physical presence and body language could make it tough for the judge to grasp the tone and context of statements made during the hearing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, county judges all over the country are conducting hearings on Zoom to keep up with their caseloads during these tough times. Attorneys, parties, and witnesses need to follow proper guidelines to ensure a smooth and professional hearing. Although virtual hearings have their benefits and drawbacks, they indeed offer a unique way to administer justice while keeping all parties safe and healthy.