From the Supreme Court: Comments Requested for Draft Video Trial Rule

From the Supreme Court: Comments Requested for Draft Video Trial Rule

Friends and colleagues,

Given the impact COVID-19 has had on traditional court proceedings, and in the interest of enabling cases to proceed where possible, the Council of Superior Court Judges has drafted an amendment to Uniform Superior Court Rule 9.1 that would authorize civil non-jury trials to be conducted by video conference. This rule would allow these trials only in cases to which the constitutional right to trial by jury does not apply, or in which the parties have waived their right to a jury trial. The rule would remain in effect for 180 days past the expiration of the Chief Justice’s Judicial Emergency Declaration and any extensions or modifications of it.

Read the draft rule here [ sbog.info ] .

The Supreme Court asks for comments about it from the bench, bar and public. Please submit any comments you may have no later than 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, by email to rules@gasupreme.us [ mailto:rules@gasupreme.us ] .

Sincerely,

Darrell Sutton
President, State Bar of Georgia
president@gabar.org [ mailto:president@gabar.org ]