The New York court system never closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. To facilitate continued access to justice for all, a speedy and necessary transition to virtual proceedings was implemented. As courts returned to in-person operations, it became clear virtual proceedings and other innovations are likely to continue in one form or another.

The Pandemic Practices Working Group (PPWG) of the Commission To Reimagine the Future of New York's Courts (Commission), is holding a series of statewide public hearings to evaluate the technology, practices, and policies that were adopted by the state courts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The PPWG plans to make recommendations to the Unified Court System regarding the adoption of practices implemented during the pandemic that will benefit the administration of justice in New York state courts going forward.

Through live hearings, remote listening sessions, and written testimony, the PPWG has heard from hundreds of different stakeholders, including litigants, the bar, legal services providers, judges, court staff, community groups, law enforcement, judicial associations, and other government and non-government entities. The review addresses the pandemic experience in all types of New York courts, including civil and criminal courts, appellate courts, family court, surrogate's court, housing court, and town & village courts.