[Rev. 6/29/2024 2:31:05 PM--2023]
(A) RULES GOVERNING APPEARANCE BY TELEPHONIC TRANSMISSION EQUIPMENT FOR CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS
Rule 1. Definitions. In these rules, unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires:
1. “Telephonic transmission equipment” means a conference telephone or other electronic device that permits all those appearing or participating to hear and speak to one another, provided that all statements of all parties are audible to all persons present.
2. “Court” means a proceeding before a judicial officer, magistrate, judge, or master for all criminal proceedings in the State of Nevada.
3. “Party” shall include the plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, respondent, applicant, and adverse party and also apply to such party’s attorney of record.
4. “Witness” shall mean a party or other person testifying in the court proceeding.
5. “Shall” is mandatory, and “may” is permissive.
[Added; effective January 1, 2013.]
Rule 2. Policy favoring telephonic transmission equipment appearances. The intent of this rule is to promote uniformity in the practices and procedures relating to telephonic transmission appearances. To improve access to the courts and reduce litigation costs, courts shall permit parties, to the extent feasible, to appear by telephonic equipment at appropriate proceedings pursuant to these rules.
[Added; effective January 1, 2013.]
Rule 3. Application. These rules apply to all criminal cases except juvenile and appellate proceedings. A court may follow the procedures set forth in these rules or in NRS 50.330 or NRS 171.1975.
[Added; effective January 1, 2013.]
Rule 4. Personal appearances; appearance by telephonic transmission equipment.
1. In all criminal proceedings or hearings, except trial, where a personal appearance is required, a party or a witness may request to appear by telephonic transmission equipment. Parties may stipulate to appearance by telephonic transmission equipment, but the stipulation must be approved by the court.
2. The personal appearance of a party or a party’s witness is required at trial unless:
(a) The parties stipulate to allow the party or the party’s witness to appear by telephonic transmission equipment, the defendant expressly consents to the use of telephonic transmission equipment, and the court approves the stipulation; or
(b) The court makes an individualized determination, based on clear and convincing evidence, that the use of telephonic transmission equipment for a particular witness is necessary and that all of the other elements of the right of confrontation are preserved.
3. Court discretion to modify rule.
(a) Applicable cases. In exercising its discretion under this provision, the court should consider the general policy favoring telephonic transmission equipment appearances in criminal cases.
(b) Court may require personal appearances. Upon a showing of good cause either by motion of a party or upon its own motion, the court may require a party or witness to appear in person at a proceeding listed in Rule 4(1) if the court determines on a hearing-by-hearing basis that a personal appearance would materially assist in the resolution of the particular proceeding or that the quality of the telephonic transmission equipment is inadequate.
(c) Subsequent personal appearance. If at any time during a proceeding conducted by telephonic transmission equipment the court determines that a personal appearance is necessary, the court may continue the matter and require a personal appearance by the party or witness.
4. Notice by party; opportunity to object.
(a) A party (or a witness for a party) wishing to appear at a criminal proceeding by telephonic transmission equipment under this rule shall, not later than 14 days before that proceeding, file a request that the court allow the party (or a witness for a party) to appear (or testify) at the proceeding through the use of telephonic transmission equipment. A party who requests that the court allow a party (or a witness for a party) to appear (or testify) through the use of telephonic transmission equipment shall provide written notice of the request to all other parties at or before the time of filing the request by personal delivery, fax transmission, express mail, electronic service through the court’s online docketing system, if available, or by other means reasonably calculated to ensure delivery to the parties no later than the close of the next business day. Copies of any exhibits that the party participating by telephonic transmission equipment intends to present at the proceeding shall be delivered to the court and all other parties at least by noon on the court day prior to the proceeding.
(b) Not later than 7 days after receiving notice of a request that the court allow a party (or a witness for a party) to appear (or testify) at the identified proceeding through the use of telephonic transmission equipment, any opposing party may file an objection to the request. If an opposing party fails to file a timely objection to the request, that party shall be deemed to have consented to the granting of the request. If an opposing party timely files an objection to the request, the court shall hold a hearing and shall make specific findings on the facts and circumstances of the request.
(c) If a party who has requested a telephonic transmission equipment appearance for the party or a witness subsequently chooses to appear in person, that party must so notify the court and all other parties at least 2 days before the appearance.
5. Notice by court. After a party has requested a telephonic transmission equipment appearance for the party or a witness, if the court requires the personal appearance of the party (or a witness for a party), the court must give reasonable notice to all parties before the proceeding and may continue the proceeding if necessary to accommodate the personal appearance. The court may direct the court clerk or a party to provide the notification.
6. Private vendor; charges for service. A court may provide telephonic transmission equipment for court appearances by entering into a contract with a private vendor. The contract may provide that the vendor may charge the party appearing by telephonic transmission equipment a reasonable fee, specified in the contract, for its services. The court or the vendor may impose a cancellation fee to a party that orders services and thereafter cancels them on less than 48 hours’ notice. A court, by local rule, may designate a particular audiovisual provider that must be used for audiovisual transmission equipment appearances.
7. Audibility and procedure.
(a) The court must ensure that the statements of participants are audible to all other participants and the court staff and that the statements made by a participant are identified as being made by that participant. The court may require a party to coordinate with a court-appointed person or persons within a certain time before the proceeding to ensure the equipment is compatible and operational.
(b) Upon convening a telephonic transmission proceeding, the court shall:
(1) Recite the date, time, case name, case number, names and locations of the parties and counsel, and the type of proceeding;
(2) Ascertain that all statements of all parties are audible and visible to all participants;
(3) Give instructions on how the proceeding is to be conducted, including notice if necessary, that in order to preserve the record, speakers must identify themselves each time they speak; and
(4) Place the witness under oath and ensure that the witness is subject to cross-examination.
8. Reporting. All proceedings involving telephonic transmission equipment appearances must be reported to the same extent and in the same manner as if the participants had appeared in person.
9. Information on telephonic transmission equipment. The court must publish a notice providing parties with the particular information necessary for them to appear or have a nonparty witness testify by telephonic transmission equipment at proceedings in that court under this rule.
10. Public access. The right of public access to court proceedings must be preserved in accordance with law.
[Added; effective January 1, 2013.]
(B) RULES GOVERNING APPEARANCE BY SIMULTANEOUS AUDIOVISUAL TRANSMISSION EQUIPMENT FOR CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS
Rule 1. Definitions. In these rules, unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires:
1. “Simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment” means transmission accomplished through the use of:
(a) One or more cameras at a location other than the courtroom that depict the witness in real time so that the parties, their counsel, the court, and the jury, if any, can see the witness to the same or greater extent than they would see if the witness was present in the courtroom; and
(b) One or more cameras in the courtroom that depict the parties, their counsel, the court, and the jury, if any, in real time on a screen visible to the witness who is at another location.
2. “Court” means a proceeding before a judicial officer, magistrate, judge, or master for all criminal proceedings in the State of Nevada.
3. “Party” shall include the plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, respondent, applicant, and adverse party and also apply to such party’s attorney of record.
4. “Witness” shall mean a party or other person testifying in the court proceeding.
5. “Shall” is mandatory, and “may” is permissive.
[Added; effective January 1, 2013.]
Rule 2. Policy allowing simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment appearances. The intent of this rule is to promote uniformity in the practices and procedures relating to simultaneous audiovisual transmission appearances. As provided in these rules, courts may permit a witness to appear by simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment at appropriate proceedings, including trial.
[Added; effective January 1, 2013; amended effective February 25, 2019.]
Rule 3. Application. These rules apply to all criminal cases except juvenile and appellate proceedings. A court may follow the procedures set forth in these rules or in NRS 50.330, NRS 172.138, or NRS 171.1975.
[Added; effective January 1, 2013; amended effective August 24, 2015.]
Rule 4. Personal appearances; appearance by simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment.
1. Except as set forth in Rule 3, a witness may appear by simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment at trial if the court first makes a case-specific finding that (1) the denial of physical confrontation is necessary to further an important public policy, and (2) the reliability of the testimony is assured; and in all other criminal proceedings or hearings where personal appearance is required unless the court determines that the personal appearance of the witness is necessary.
2. If, at any time during a proceeding conducted by simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment, the court determines that a personal appearance is necessary, the court may continue the matter and require a personal appearance by the witness.
3. A party wishing to offer the appearance of a witness at a criminal proceeding by simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment under this rule shall, not later than 5 judicial days before that proceeding, notify the opposing party by certified mail in a form substantially similar to Form 1 attached hereto, unless good cause is shown why such notice could not have been provided.
4. Private vendor; charges for service. A court may provide simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment for court appearances by entering into a contract with a private vendor. The contract may provide that the vendor may charge the party appearing by simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment a reasonable fee, specified in the contract, for its services. The court or the vendor may impose a cancellation fee to a party that orders services and thereafter cancels them on less than 48 hours’ notice. A court, by local rule, may designate a particular audiovisual provider that must be used for audiovisual transmission equipment appearances.
5. Procedure.
(a) The court must ensure that the statements of participants are audible and visible to all other participants and the court staff and that the statements made by a participant are identified as being made by that participant. The court may require a party to coordinate with a court-appointed person or persons within a certain time before the proceeding to ensure the equipment is compatible and operational.
(b) Upon convening a simultaneous audiovisual transmission proceeding, the court shall:
(1) Recite the date, time, case name, case number, names and locations of the parties and counsel, and the type of proceeding;
(2) Ascertain that all statements of all parties are audible and visible to all participants;
(3) Give instructions on how the proceeding is to be conducted, including notice if necessary, that in order to preserve the record, speakers must identify themselves each time they speak; and
(4) Place the witness under oath and ensure that the witness is subject to cross-examination.
6. Reporting. All proceedings involving simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment appearances must be reported to the same extent and in the same manner as if the participants had appeared in person.
7. Information on simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment. The court must publish a notice providing parties with the particular information necessary for them to appear or have a non-party witness testify by simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment at proceedings in that court under this rule.
8. Public access. The right of public access to court proceedings must be preserved in accordance with law.
[Added; effective January 1, 2013; amended effective February 25, 2019.]
Form 1
[FIRM HEADING/ATTORNEY NAME/CONTACT]
[ATTORNEYS FOR................................................................................ ]
DISTRICT COURT
.................................. County, Nevada
Plaintiff,
Case No.:
vs. Dept. No.:
Defendant, Date of Hearing:
.................................................................. Time of Hearing:
NOTICE OF INTENT TO APPEAR BY COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT
In accordance with the Order adopting Part IX of the Supreme Court Rules effective March 1, 2009, [CLIENT NAME] intends to appear at the above-captioned hearing via [TELEPHONE OR ELECTRONIC DEVICE]. [CLIENT NAME] resides in [PLACE OF RESIDENCE]. [CLIENT NAME] cannot appear at this hearing because [REASON CLIENT CANNOT APPEAR FOR HEARING].
[CLIENT NAME] contact phone number for this hearing is [.................................. ].
[CLIENT NAME] shall appear for the hearing via electronic device, by way of [MEANS OF ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION]. The parties shall confirm with the Court that the Court is capable of connecting to such electronic device in advance of the scheduled time for the hearing.
Dated this ............. day of .............. , 20........ .
Respectfully Submitted by:
[LAW FIRM] .............................................................................
Attorneys for .............................................................................
[Added; effective August 24, 2015.]
(A) RULES GOVERNING APPEARANCE BY TELEPHONIC TRANSMISSION EQUIPMENT FOR CIVIL AND FAMILY COURT PROCEEDINGS
Rule 1. Definitions. In these rules, unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires:
1. “Telephonic transmission equipment” means a conference telephone or other electronic device that permits all those appearing or participating to hear and speak to one another, provided that all statements of all parties are audible to all persons present.
2. “Court” means a proceeding before a judicial officer, judge, master, or commissioner for all civil proceedings in the State of Nevada.
3. “Party” shall include the plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, respondent, applicant, adverse party, obligee, or obligor and also apply to each party’s attorney of record.
4. “Witness” shall mean a party or other person testifying in the court proceeding.
5. “Shall” is mandatory and “may” is permissive.
[Added; effective July 1, 2013.]
Rule 2. Policy favoring telephonic transmission equipment appearances. The intent of this rule is to promote uniformity in the practices and procedures relating to telephonic transmission equipment appearances. To improve access to the courts and reduce litigation costs, courts shall permit parties, to the extent feasible, to appear by telephonic transmission equipment at appropriate proceedings pursuant to these rules.
[Added; effective July 1, 2013.]
Rule 3. Application. These rules apply to all civil cases and family court proceedings pursuant to Chapters 122 through 130 of the Nevada Revised Statutes.
[Added; effective July 1, 2013.]
Rule 4. Appearance by telephonic transmission equipment.
1. Circumstances in which appearance by telephonic transmission equipment shall be allowed. Except as provided in Rule 4(3), parties shall be allowed to appear before a judicial officer or judge, master, commissioner, or special master using telephonic transmission equipment in the following matters:
(a) Case management conferences, provided the party has made a good faith effort to meet and confer and has timely served and filed a case management statement before the conference date;
(b) Trial setting conferences;
(c) Hearings on law and motion, except motions in limine;
(d) Hearings on discovery motions, except where the hearing master determines that it is necessary for parties or attorneys to meet personally regarding discovery disputes or scheduling matters;
(e) Status conferences, including conferences to review the status of an arbitration or a mediation;
(f) Hearings to review the dismissal of an action;
(g) Any other hearing that is scheduled for not more than 15 minutes; and
(h) Any matters stipulated to by the parties and approved by the court.
2. All other matters require personal appearances or appearances by use of simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment.
3. Court discretion to modify rule.
(a) Applicable cases. In exercising its discretion under this provision, the court should consider the general policy favoring telephonic transmission equipment.
(b) Court may require personal appearances. Upon a showing of good cause either by motion of a party or upon its own motion, the court may require a party or witness to appear in person at a proceeding listed in Rule 4(1) if the court determines on a hearing-by-hearing basis that a personal appearance would materially assist in the resolution of the particular proceeding or that the quality of the telephonic transmission equipment is inadequate.
4. Need for personal appearance. If, at any time during a proceeding conducted by telephonic transmission equipment, the court determines that a personal appearance is necessary, the court may continue the matter and require a personal appearance by a party or witness.
5. Notice by party.
(a) A party choosing to appear by telephonic transmission equipment at a proceeding under this rule must either:
(1) Place the phrase “Telephonic Transmission Equipment Appearance” below the title of the moving, opposing, or reply papers; or
(2) At least 5 court days before the appearance, notify the court and all other parties of the party’s intent to appear by telephonic transmission equipment. If the notice is oral, it must be given either in person or by telephonic transmission equipment. If the notice is in writing, it must be given by filing a “Notice of Intent to Appear by Telephonic Transmission Equipment” with the court at least 5 court days before the appearance and by serving the notice at the same time on all other parties by personal delivery, fax transmission, express mail, by electronic service through the court’s online docketing system (if available), or other means reasonably calculated to ensure delivery to the parties no later than the close of the next business day. Copies of any exhibits that a party participating telephonically intends to present at the hearing shall be delivered to the court and all parties by at least noon on the court day prior to any such proceeding.
(b) If after receiving notice from another party as provided under Rule 4(5)(a) a party that has not given notice also decides to appear by telephonic transmission equipment, the party may do so by notifying the court and all other parties that have appeared in the action, no later than noon on the court day before the appearance, of its intent to appear by telephonic transmission equipment. Copies of any exhibits that the party intends to present at the hearing shall be delivered to the court and all parties by at least noon on the court day prior to the scheduled hearing.
(c) If a party that has given notice that it intends to appear by telephonic transmission equipment under Rule 4(5)(a) subsequently chooses to appear in person, the party must so notify the court and all other parties that have appeared in the action by telephonic transmission equipment at least 2 court days before the appearance.
(d) The court, on a showing of good cause, may permit a party to appear by telephonic transmission equipment at a proceeding even if a party has not given the notice required under Rule 4(5)(a) or (b) and may permit a party to appear in person even if the party has previously given the notice required in Rule 4(5)(c), provided that the party agrees to pay the applicable cancellation fee to the court or third-party provider of the telephonic transmission equipment.
6. Notice by court. After a party has requested a telephonic transmission equipment appearance under Rule 4(5), if the court requires the personal appearance of the party, the court must give reasonable notice to all parties before the hearing and may continue the hearing if necessary to accommodate the personal appearance. The court may direct the court clerk, a court-appointed vendor, a party, or an attorney to provide the notification.
7. Private vendor; charges for service. A court may provide telephonic transmission equipment for court appearances by entering into a contract with a private vendor. The contract may provide that the vendor may charge the party appearing by telephonic transmission equipment a reasonable fee, specified in the contract, for its services. The court or the vendor may impose a cancellation fee to a party that orders services and thereafter cancels them on less than 48 hours’ notice. A court, by local rule, may designate a particular conference call provider that must be used for telephonic transmission equipment appearances.
8. Audibility and procedure.
(a) The court must ensure that the statements of participants are audible to all other participants and the court staff and that the statements made by a participant are identified as being made by that participant.
(b) Upon convening a telephonic proceeding, the judge shall:
(1) Recite the date, time, case name, case number, names and locations of parties and counsel, and the type of hearing;
(2) Ascertain that all statements of all parties are audible to all participants; and
(3) Give instructions on how the hearing is to be conducted, including notice that in order to preserve the record, speakers must identify themselves each time they speak.
9. Reporting. All proceedings involving telephonic transmission equipment appearances must be reported to the same extent and in the same manner as if the participants had appeared in person.
10. Information on telephonic transmission equipment appearances. The court must publish a notice providing parties with the particular information necessary for them to appear by telephonic transmission equipment at proceedings in that court under this rule.
11. Public access. The right of public access to court proceedings must be preserved in accordance with law.
[Added; effective July 1, 2013.]
(B) RULES GOVERNING APPEARANCE BY SIMULTANEOUS AUDIOVISUAL TRANSMISSION EQUIPMENT FOR CIVIL AND FAMILY COURT PROCEEDINGS
Rule 1. Definitions. In these rules, unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires:
1. “Simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment” means transmission accomplished through the use of:
(a) One or more cameras at a location other than the courtroom that depict the witness in real time so that the parties, their counsel (or the government’s counsel), the court, and the jury, if any, can see the witness to the same or greater extent they would see if the witness was present in the courtroom; and
(b) One or more cameras in the courtroom that depict the parties, their counsel (or the government’s counsel), the prosecutor, the court, and the jury, if any, in real time on a screen visible to the witness who is at another location.
2. “Court” means a proceeding before a judicial officer, judge, master, or commissioner for all civil proceedings in the State of Nevada.
3. “Party” shall include the plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, respondent, applicant, adverse party, obligee, or obligor and also apply to such party’s attorney of record.
4. “Witness” shall mean a party or other person testifying in the court proceeding.
5. “Shall” is mandatory and “may” is permissive.
6. “Good cause” may consist of one or more of the following factors as determined by the court:
(a) Whether a timely objection has been made to parties or witnesses appearing through the use of simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment;
(b) Whether any undue surprise or prejudice would result;
(c) The convenience of the parties, counsel, and the court;
(d) The cost and time savings;
(e) The importance and complexity of the proceeding;
(f) Whether the proponent has been unable, after due diligence, to procure the physical presence of a witness;
(g) The convenience to the parties and the proposed witness, and the cost of producing the witness in relation to the importance of the offered testimony;
(h) Whether the procedure would allow effective cross-examination, especially where documents and exhibits available to the witness may not be available to counsel;
(i) The importance of presenting the testimony of witnesses in open court, whether the finder of fact may observe the demeanor of the witness, and where the solemnity of the surroundings will impress upon the witness the duty to testify truthfully;
(j) Whether the quality of the communication is sufficient to understand the offered testimony; and
(k) Such other factors as the court may, in each individual case, determine to be relevant.
[Added; effective July 1, 2013.]
Rule 2. Policy favoring simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment appearances. The intent of this rule is to promote uniformity in the practices and procedures relating to simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment appearances. To improve access to the courts and reduce litigation costs, courts shall permit parties, to the extent feasible, to appear by simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment at appropriate proceedings pursuant to these rules.
[Added; effective July 1, 2013.]
Rule 3. Application. These rules apply to all civil cases and family court proceedings pursuant to Chapters 122 through 130 of the Nevada Revised Statutes.
[Added; effective July 1, 2013.]
Rule 4. Appearance by simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment.
1. Appearances by parties or witnesses through the use of simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment may be made as follows:
(a) Trials, hearings at which witnesses are expected to testify, or hearings on preliminary injunction motions provided there is good cause as determined by the court in accordance with Rule 1(6);
(b) Settlement conferences;
(c) Trial management conferences;
(d) Hearings on motions in limine;
(e) Any hearing in which a hearing master determines that the presence of the parties or witnesses is not necessary to resolve discovery disputes or scheduling matters; and
(f) Any proceeding stipulated to by the parties and approved by the court in conformity with Nevada Rule of Civil Procedure 43(a) and other applicable rules or statutes.
2. In addition, except as provided in Rule 4(1), a personal appearance is required for the following persons or parties:
(a) Applicants seeking an ex parte order, if a hearing is held, unless the applicant is seeking an order:
(1) For permission to file a memorandum in excess of the applicable page limits;
(2) For an extension of time to serve pleadings;
(3) To set hearing dates on alternative writs and orders to show cause; or
(4) By stipulation of the parties;
(b) Persons ordered to appear to show cause why sanctions should not be imposed for violation of a court order or a rule; or
(c) Persons ordered to appear in an order or citation issued under NRS Title 12 or Title 13.
3. Court discretion to modify rule.
(a) Applicable cases. In exercising its discretion under this provision, the court should consider the general policy favoring simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment appearances in family court proceedings.
(b) Court may require personal appearances. Upon a showing of good cause either by motion of a party or upon its own motion, the court may require a party or witness to appear in person at a proceeding listed in Rule 4(1) or (2) if the court determines on a hearing-by-hearing basis that a personal appearance would materially assist in the resolution of the particular proceeding or that the quality of the simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment is inadequate.
4. Subsequent personal appearance. If, at any time during a hearing, conference, or proceeding conducted by simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment, the court determines that a personal appearance is necessary, the court may continue the matter and require a personal appearance by the party or witness.
5. Notice by party.
(a) A party (or a witness for a party) choosing to appear by simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment at a proceeding under this rule must either:
(1) Place the phrase “Simultaneous Audiovisual Transmission Equipment Appearance” below the title of the moving, opposing, or reply papers; or
(2) At least 5 court days before the appearance, notify the court and all other parties of the party’s intent to appear by simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment. If the notice is oral, it must be given in person. If the notice is in writing, it must be given by filing a “Notice of Intent to Appear by Simultaneous Audiovisual Transmission Equipment” with the court at least 5 court days before the appearance and by serving the notice at the same time on all other parties by personal delivery, fax transmission, express mail, by electronic service through the court’s online docketing system (if available), or other means reasonably calculated to ensure delivery to the parties no later than the close of the next business day. Copies of any exhibits that a party participating by simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment intends to present at the hearing shall be delivered to the court and all parties by at least noon on the court day prior to any such proceeding.
(b) If after receiving notice from another party as provided under Rule 4(5)(a), a party that has not given notice also decides to appear by simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment, the party may do so by notifying the court and all other parties that have appeared in the action, no later than noon on the court day before the appearance, of its intent to appear by simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment. Copies of any exhibits that the party intends to present at the hearing shall be delivered to the court and all parties by at least noon on the court day prior to the scheduled hearing.
(c) If a party that has given notice that it intends to appear by simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment under Rule 4(5)(a) subsequently chooses to appear in person, the party must so notify the court and all other parties that have appeared in the action by simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment at least 2 court days before the appearance.
(d) The court, on a showing of good cause, may permit a party to appear by simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment at a proceeding even if a party has not given the notice required under Rule 4(5)(a) or (b) and may permit a party to appear in person even if the party has given the notice required in Rule 4(5)(a), provided that the party agrees to pay the applicable cancellation fee to the court or third-party provider of the simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment.
6. Notice by court. After a party has requested a simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment appearance for the party or a witness under Rule 4(5)(a) or (b), if the court requires the personal appearance of the party, the court must give reasonable notice to all parties before the hearing and may continue the hearing if necessary to accommodate the personal appearance. The court may direct the court clerk, a court-appointed vendor, a party, or an attorney to provide the notification.
7. Private vendor; charges for service. A court may provide simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment for court appearances by entering into a contract with a private vendor. The contract may provide that the vendor may charge the party appearing by simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment a reasonable fee, specified in the contract, for its services. The court or the vendor may impose a cancellation fee to a party that orders services and thereafter cancels them on less than 48 hours’ notice. A court, by local rule, may designate a particular audiovisual provider that must be used for audiovisual transmission equipment appearances.
8. Procedure.
(a) The court must ensure that the statements of participants are audible and visible to all other participants and the court staff and that the statements made by a participant are identified as being made by that participant. The court may require a party to coordinate with a court-appointed person or persons within a certain time before the hearing to ensure the equipment is compatible and operational.
(b) Upon convening a simultaneous audiovisual transmission proceeding, the judge shall:
(1) Recite the date, time, case name, case number, names and locations of parties and counsel, and the type of hearing;
(2) Ascertain that all statements of all parties are audible and visible to all participants;
(3) Give instructions on how the hearing is to be conducted, including notice if necessary, that in order to preserve the record, speakers must identify themselves each time they speak; and
(4) Designate a person or persons with whom the party would coordinate and communicate about system requirements and compatibility.
9. Reporting. All proceedings involving simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment appearances must be reported to the same extent and in the same manner as if the participants had appeared in person.
10. Information on simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment. The court must publish a notice providing parties with the particular information necessary for them to appear or have a non-party witness testify by simultaneous audiovisual transmission equipment at proceedings in that court under this rule.
11. Public access. The right of public access to court proceedings must be preserved in accordance with law.
[Added; effective July 1, 2013.]