Forced quarantines during the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in the use of videoconferencing technology in the judicial system. In-person proceedings frequently have given way to remote proceedings, including fully virtual trials. One benefit of a remote trial is that parties and witnesses who live far away from the proceedings may avoid the time and expense of travel by appearing “at” trial from their home office or even their home.

But what happens when a witness resides more than 100 miles from the courthouse and does not agree to appear remotely? Can parties compel the witness to testify remotely?