Friday, April 10, 2020
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Brazile Announces Stepped Up Use of Remote Technology During Crisis
By a MetNews Staff Writer
All Los Angeles Superior Court dependency proceedings are being conducted via videoconferencing, Presiding Judge Kevin C. Brazile said yesterday in his latest update on the court’s response to the coronavirus epidemic.
The advisement came in a press release which also related:
•Following Brazile’s March 17 general order scaling back court operations, more than 75 percent of the court’s 600 courtrooms have closed, with proceedings continuing through a combination of audio and video appearances in many of the departments, with reliance on remote technology continually expanding.
•To the extent the law allows it, delinquency hearings are being held remotely in all locations where such mattters are heard.
•Use of remote technology is planned for Lanterman-Petris-Short Act conservatorships in the Hollywood Courthouse.
•Since last year, treating physicians have testified in mental courts via remote technology, and expanded use of that technology is expected.
“Remote technology is a solution for social distancing in our courthouses and supports the court’s general orders to prioritize time-sensitive, essential services and hearings during this public health crisis,” Brazile said. “The court’s extensive focus in recent years to leverage technology in all of our operations laid the foundation for this quick transition.”
He added:
“The court’s collaboration with county justice partners has facilitated the transition to remote courtrooms at the same time we have undertaken a vastly scaled-down operation. I want to express my gratitude to all justice partners for working closely and swiftly with the Court on these remote solutions to keep as many people out of our courthouses as possible.”
Copyright 2020, Metropolitan News Company