During the coronavirus pandemic, the question arises: Should litigants and lawyers attend trial proceedings through the technology platforms that exist, like Zoom and Skype, or should we all strive to attend court in person. The answer is evolving as infection rates change and as we learn implement sound safety measures.

Some court proceedings require in-person attendance, while others can be handled remotely. Criminal trials, for instance, where defendants face incarceration, are being held in-person. On the other hand, civil motions and appeals can be filed and argued without a courthouse appearance. Person to person contact, we have learned, is not always necessary. But evidentiary trials pose challenges in a pandemic. This is especially true for virtual hearings, as there are limits on their efficacy.