Effective January 1, 2022, the Separate Juvenile Court of Sarpy County shall employ the following protocol for remote technology for court proceedings:

   A. All hearings approved by the Court and by stipulation of all parties that have filed an appearance may be heard by the Court telephonically or by videoconferencing or similar equipment at any location within the judicial district in conformance with Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-278.

   To request an evidentiary hearing by remote technology, initiating counsel and self-represented litigants shall contact all counsel of record and all self-represented litigants for a stipulation to proceed in this fashion. If all of the parties stipulate, initiating counsel shall contact the Court’s Bailiff to seek the Court’s approval.

   In the event the Court grants approval, initiating counsel and self-represented litigants shall then file his/her motion with the Clerk with notice of hearing. The notice of hearing shall indicate in bold letters: This hearing shall be held with remote technology. All parties shall provide the Court’s Bailiff their contact information (email address, telephone number, etc.) 48 hours prior to the scheduled hearing.

   All counsel and self-represented litigants shall provide their exhibits to the Court’s Reporter or Courtroom Clerk three (3) business days prior to the hearing. All submitted exhibits shall comply with Nebraska Revised Statutes and the Rules of the Nebraska Supreme Court.

   B. Public access to the court. To ensure public access to the courts, the Court shall hold the hearing in the courtroom. In the event that the Court is holding the hearing within the jurisdiction but not present in the courtroom, the Court will utilize the video monitor in the courtroom. In the event the Court is unable to utilize the video monitor in the courtroom, the public can obtain the virtual room by giving the Court’s Bailiff his/her contact information 24 hours prior to the hearing.

   C. Decorum. Hearings held by remote technology are conducted as if they were occurring in court. Counsel and self-represented litigants shall remain muted unless directed elsewise by the Court. Proper attire and behavior are expected. Eating is prohibited during the hearing. Counsel and self-represented litigants 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.

Approved February 22, 2023; Rule X and XI deleted, Rule XII renumbered to Rule X and amended May 31, 2023.