Effective January 1, 2022, the County Court for the Second Judicial District shall employ the following protocol for remote technology for court proceedings:

   A. It is presumed that all County Court proceedings will be conducted in person. Attorneys and/or self-represented litigants may file a motion to appear remotely via video conferencing at least three (3) business days in advance of the hearing. Each judge will review and rule on said motions on a case-by-case basis consistent with Neb. Rev. Stat.
§ 24-734. If the judge denies or does not rule on the motion in advance of the scheduled hearing or trial date, then movant is expected to appear in person at the hearing.

   Video conferencing means conducting, appearing in, or participating in a court proceeding by the use of video, electronic, or telephonic technology with contemporaneous interactions among the participants.

   B. Decorum. Hearings held by remote technology are conducted as if they were occurring in court. Counsel and litigants shall remain muted unless directed elsewise by the Court. Proper attire and behavior are expected. Eating is prohibited during the hearing. Counsel and parties shall not conduct other business during the hearing unless an emergency dictates otherwise. Counsel and parties shall be respectful to all involved. Audio and video recording of the hearing is strictly prohibited, subject to the Rules for Expanded Media Coverage in Nebraska Trial Courts.

Approved February 22, 2023; amended March 15, 2023.