COVID-19 Causes Courts to Go Online
- Details
- Created on Friday, 17 April 2020 15:50
- Written by Devon Distefano
ST. JOHNSBURY - The Caledonia County Courthouse is now using online resources to hold scheduled arraignments as COVID-19 continues to hamper the legal system.
Many courthouses throughout the state, including Caledonia County are dealing with court proceedings via video web link or conference call, but this alternative method brings its own challenges.
"Coordinating all the parties for remote proceedings can be a challenge, a challenge which is enhanced by the fact we are operating with reduced staff in Caledonia as well as other courts," said Chief Superior Judge, Brian Grearson.
When asked if there are any major differences in handling arraignments through web conference rather than in person Judge Grearson says, "The biggest difference is that the proceedings are more impersonal and during some proceedings the judge is the only person in the courtroom other than the court room operator".
The vast majority of those incarcerated are being arraigned via video, but there are still a limited number of individuals being cited to appear in person. The use of this technology is changing how many people communicate, especially for those who are accustomed to doing their job in a specific way.
"For the most part attorneys are appearing remotely by phone...because the the use of remote access via video or by phone is new to attorneys and self represented litigants, as well as to the court staff, I am sure there are times when hearings are delayed or may be prolonged as parties are adjusting to these new procedures," said Grearson.
For those who are interested in viewing the court proceedings Judge Grearson says they are now piloting the live stream.
"The normal court recording is in place to capture the audio record- we do not preserve a video record," said Grearson.
The use of a live video tool is essential at this point in time, but Grearson says he can see the courts continuing to hold arraignments in this way.
"Definitely, to reduce the need for transports and to increase security," said Grearson.
For more information on COVID-19 court operations vist https://www.vermontjudiciary.org/news/information-regarding-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-and-court-operations
