Virtual courts expanded beyond essential and emergency matters

State officials have announced that the temporary “virtual court” model is being expanded beyond the limited category of essential and emergency matters.

A week ago, virtual court operations using Skype or teleconferencing started to address essential and emergency proceedings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the past two weeks, the New York state trial courts have focused on arraignments, bail applications, orders of protection and other essential and emergency criminal, family and civil matters.

Now, the court system is extending its focus to include pending tort, asbestos, commercial, matrimonial, trusts and estates, felony, family and other cases.

There is still a ban on new non-essential filings.

“Starting today, judges will begin remotely scheduling and conducting conferences and hearings to address discovery disputes and other outstanding issues, advancing progress and facilitating resolution in pending civil and criminal cases that fall outside the limited scope of essential and emergency matters,” Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence K. Marks said in a news release.

Court proceedings for pending non-essential matters will be heard virtually, with all interactions taking place by video or telephone, and administrative and court staff assisting judges in the use of Skype and other technology platforms to conduct conferences, access records and perform other essential tasks.

Judges and attorneys will participate remotely, with a very small number of court clerks and court officers continuing to staff designated courthouse locations to process critical paperwork and provide essential security.

Calendared proceedings will be open to the public. Court security personnel will strictly monitor and may limit access to maintain social distancing in accordance with current public health guidelines.

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