Philadelphia stands out among Pennsylvania’s judicial districts for its continued modification of court rules so far into the pandemic, but the persistent emergency measures have garnered opposition from some advocacy groups and from some high court justices.

The state Supreme Court granted the First Judicial District its most recent emergency request to suspend rules restricting the use of advanced courtroom technology in court proceedings. The new order allowed the Philadelphia courts to conduct certain proceedings virtually through September, despite court rules dictating that they should occur in person.