Judge Terrence R. Nealon, left, and Judge Lisette Shirdan-Harris, right. Courtesy photos 'Greater Access, More Flexibility': Why Pennsylvania Courts Have Embraced Remote Tech as Permanent Fixture
"We have learned there are some things that work just as well, if not better, remotely," said Administrative Judge Lisette Shirdan-Harris of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.
October 19, 2021 at 07:02 PM
4 minute read
While constitutional requirements limit the use of advanced communications technology (ACT) in criminal cases, civil courts in Pennsylvania's busiest judicial district have fully embraced Zoom as a tool that is set to remain in courtrooms for the long term.
A series of state Supreme Court orders has kept restrictions on ACT in the criminal division suspended through the pandemic and even encouraged use of the technology. The most recent order from Oct. 1 gave Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas President Judge Idee Fox permission to continue the emergency use of ACT and is in effect until Nov. 1. But even if the emergency rule suspensions stop after that date, remote civil proceedings would be able to continue.
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