At the discretion of the District Judge presiding over the matter, the 12th Judicial District  Courts have determined that, through the use of available technology, including cloud-based applications such as ZOOM and WebEx, certain types of hearings lend themselves to the use of   such technology in the efficient and expeditious operations of the courts. Therefore, the District  Court judges adopt the following Local Rule to govern the use of such technology.

   1. The Court, counsel, and litigants are expected to conform to all applicable state statutes regarding such usage.

   2. Counsel are expected to have the appropriate application (i.e., ZOOM, WebEx, Skype,  etc.) available to them on a cellular device or computer or similar device to access the   technology.

   3. Counsel are expected to forward any links or other connection information to litigants  who are anticipated to participate by such technology and to ensure that such litigants  have the applicable application on some type of device that will permit them to so participate.

   4. Each judge will determine how ZOOM/WebEx/etc. invites are generated and disseminated to meet the needs of their respective courts.

   5. Attached hereto is Appendix A which outlines hearing rules for the use of such technology in non-domestic relations civil proceedings.

   6. Attached hereto is Appendix B which outlines hearing rules for the use of such technology in criminal proceedings.

   7. Attached hereto is Appendix C which outlines hearing rules for the use of such technology in domestic relations civil proceedings.

Approved October 26, 2022.