If, as an entrepreneur, you can’t settle a commercial dispute, trademark infringement, or you want to ask a court to order a company to stop trading and be liquidated, you may need to go to court.
One of the most interesting things to come out of the pandemic is the uptick in how frequently technology is being used in court proceedings. In the past, most people couldn’t imagine court hearings being held remotely through platforms like Zoom.
Today, however, many courts have made it a regular part of the process to hold remote hearings for certain parts of cases. This has enabled them to check up on months of backlogged cases, and it has also allowed for more efficient processing of their caseloads.
So, how exactly do you join a court remote hearing using Zoom, and what else should you know about this unique process?
Photo by Dylan Ferreira on Unsplash
Table of Contents
Joining a Remote Court Hearing Through Zoom
To join a remote court hearing through Zoom, you will first need to ensure that you have access to the required technology:
- Strong WiFi access: Public WiFi is typically not stable enough for Zoom; find another way to access the internet if possible.
- Device: A computer, laptop, or phone with the Zoom app installed should be able to join the meeting. If it is an audio only hearing, you can use a standard, non-smartphone as well.
- Camera and microphone: Laptops, tablets, and phones may have these pre-installed. Make sure that these work before it is time for the hearing.
Joining The Hearing
If you are a plaintiff, attorney, or other panelist, you should follow these instructions to join a remote court hearing.
- Visit https://zoom.us. Create a Zoom account. A free account is sufficient.
- Input a name, phone number, and email address for your account.
- If using a computer, visit https://zoom.us/download to download the Zoom Client for Meetings. Once downloaded, click the .msi installation file in your Downloads folder. Run the installation wizard.
- Once the Zoom Client is installed, log in to your account and review your settings to ensure that everything is working properly.
- If possible, run a test call with someone else to ensure that your video and microphone are working properly in advance of your hearing.
Other Learning Resources
If you want to learn more about how to use Zoom properly in advance of your hearing, Zoom has many resources on its website that can be helpful. Review the following links for more information about each topic.
Finally, be sure to review any documentation released by the court system about remote hearings. This will ensure that you have your profile set up to their requirements before your hearing.
How Should I Prepare For My Court Hearing?
Just as you need to prepare for a court hearing in person, you also need to prepare if you appear in a remote court hearing. Whether you are going to be a defendant, a witness, or another involved party, preparation is essential if you take the hearing seriously.
The legal system is very overwhelming. Working through the details of your case can be confusing, and you might not even know what type of items to prepare. This can be incredibly stressful.
Make sure you get educated on how to file your claim and how to prepare for a hearing the right way. Having guidance on what to research, submit as evidence, and other essential tips can make a huge difference in how the hearing goes. Take preparation seriously, and you may be happier with the hearing’s result.
Photo by Dylan Ferreira on Unsplash
Are Remote Court Hearings The Right Choice?
As with any development, there are both pros and cons to using remote court hearings. However, most people generally agree that these hearings are a great way to ensure that courts can continue processing essential cases even when it is not possible to have everyone physically in the courtroom together.
Still, it’s essential to know the potential risks as well.
For some people, using a computer to join their hearing is unnecessarily stressful and not very accessible. Not everyone knows how to use computers well. There are even lawyers that have had to train on how to do this effectively.
Another thing that many people think about when considering a remote hearing is safety. Is it okay to be sharing sensitive information, such as what is discussed in the hearing, online? Cybersecurity remains a significant issue when joining online calls, especially for a matter as serious as a court hearing.
However, most court cases are kept on public record, so there isn’t much that can be compromised or lost because of this risk.
Final thoughts
Overall, remote court hearings provide many more benefits than risks in most situations. Above all else, remote hearings have ensured that even during the ongoing pandemic, people can seek justice. And that is a benefit worthy of pursuit.
About Carson Derrow
