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Court & LawRemote Hearings and Live Court Audio
Twenty flashcards on courts that already hear cases by video and stream audio: state court guidance from NCSC and federal court policy.
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20 cards
- What counts as a remote proceeding?
- Any proceeding where at least one participant appears by video conference or telephone, fully virtual or hybrid.
- Which hearings are often good candidates for a remote format?
- Shorter, non-evidentiary hearings, such as scheduling conferences, status hearings and non-evidentiary motions.
- Instead of blanket rules by case type, which factors can courts weigh?
- Length, evidence, rights at stake, constitutional concerns and flexibility.
- What does flexibility mean for a remote hearing policy?
- A clear way to ask for a change of format, and options for people who can't appear by video.
- Which technology helps remote hearings start smoothly?
- E-check-in tools and virtual waiting rooms.
- What should participants receive before a remote hearing?
- Basic instructions for the video platform, plus an explanation of court procedures and what to expect.
- What must the court make sure of for the record?
- That it is captured for both in-person and remote participants.
- What share of survey respondents would consider appearing remotely?
- 63%, for at least one type of court proceeding.
- Which pressures can remote proceedings ease for court users?
- Transportation, caregiving duties and taking time off work or school.
- How can remote hearings help in legal deserts?
- They can increase access to legal help.
- Which model for remote proceedings is dominant across jurisdictions?
- Discretionary authority: judges decide when remote participation fits, rather than it being mandated.
- In which kinds of cases are presumptive remote hearings concentrated?
- Civil case types, such as family law, housing and eviction, and probate and guardianship.
- Which accessibility standard should a court's video platform meet?
- WCAG 2.1 AA, including screen reader compatibility and captioning.
- How can a court help participants stay focused in a long remote hearing?
- Build in short breaks, such as a pause every 20 minutes.
- How can a court serve people without reliable internet?
- Offer community access points or kiosks.
- How should a court handle disruptive participants online?
- Assign staff to monitor and remove them, with settings that block re-entry.
- Since September 22, 2023, what live remote access do federal courts allow?
- Judges may allow live public audio of non-trial civil and bankruptcy proceedings while no witness is testifying.
- How did the federal audio streaming pilot work?
- From March 2020 to March 31, 2023, approved courts streamed audio on their YouTube channel when all parties consented and the judge approved.
- What did the federal audio streaming pilot reveal?
- There were no major administrative or technical challenges to using livestreaming.
- What do all federal courts of appeals now do with oral arguments?
- They have livestreamed the audio and made audio recordings available to the public.
Official sources
National Center for State Courts (NCSC)
Remote & hybrid proceedings
National Center for State Courts (NCSC)
Reducing barriers to remote proceedings
Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (uscourts.gov)
Remote Public Access to Proceedings
Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (uscourts.gov)
Audio Streaming Pilot
Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (uscourts.gov)
History of Cameras, Broadcasting, and Remote Public Access in Courts
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