The COVID-19 pandemic led to a transition to virtual platforms across various sectors, including the judicial system. The option to participate remotely in court proceedings made justice more accessible for individuals who lack transportation and have work and family obligations that limit their ability to travel. As the pandemic has subsided, a virtual option is no longer the default for proceedings and is at the discretion of the courts. Even if all parties to a case agree to remote participation, some judges will not permit it. 

 

Local courts vary in their permission of remote participation in civil and criminal proceedings. The Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) has been advocating for the creation of a system for remote appearances that increases access to fair and just hearings. In the interest of preserving equal justice, I will be introducing legislation to establish uniformity on this matter across all local courts in our Commonwealth. My legislation would do this by requiring local courts to allow defendants, witnesses, and victims to appear in civil and criminal proceedings remotely if the parties have an agreement to do so and there is a simultaneous audio-video connection. This will improve access for individuals who seek to participate in the justice system but require remote participation to do so.  

 

When the circumstances warrant remote proceedings, this option should be available, regardless of an individual’s financial status. Please join me in providing equitable access to Pennsylvania’s justice system by signing on to this proposal.