24th JDC Virtual Court Policy

Pursuant to Act 463 of the 2024 Regular Session

GENERAL

1. Protocols for participation in video court are the same as if you were appearing before the Judge in the courtroom. Failure to abide by court rules, and the rules below may result in sanctions or contempt of court.

2. Individual divisions may have additional protocols, and you should check with the Division before which you are appearing to determine if there are additional requirements for that court.

3. You must sign in on time and remain on video court until your case has been called and completed.

ATTIRE AND BACKGROUND

4. Proper court attire is required.

5. There should be no offensive or distracting backgrounds visible. There must not be any messages conveyed to the court or other participants.

6. Virtual backgrounds are not permitted.

7. No smoking, vaping, or eating while attending court.

8. Online court participants shall not be in a vehicle, moving or otherwise, during online court.

9. Individuals not participating in video court may not be present, appear in view of the camera, or be heard. You are responsible for ensuring there is no background noise

EQUIPMENT

10. You must have a working camera and microphone to participate in video court.

11. Your video shall remain on at all times while participating in video court.

12. Your microphone shall be muted unless you are speaking.

13. Devices shall be named properly and include the full name of the participant (ie: Device named iPhone, “Sam’s Phone”, etc. will not be admitted to the conference.)

14. It is the participant’s responsibility to have a strong stable internet connection.

15. You may not record, take screen shots of, or reproduce any court proceeding. Doing so SHALL be considered contempt of court.

OTHER

16. In the event the online participant cannot hear the other participants, the online participant shall call the Division and e-mail the law clerk and administrative assistant of the Division to advise they cannot hear the proceedings.

17. In the event the Court or Court Reporter cannot hear the online participant, the Court will call the telephone number included on the Motion filed regarding the online appearance. Therefore, it is vital a number be provided that a person will answer during your hearing in the event the Court needs to contact you to advise you cannot be heard.

18. Failure to comply with this policy may result in the Court’s handling the matter set in the absence of the online participant, and shall be considered good cause to deny future online appearances for the online participant in all cases.