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The ability to present testimony via video conference is up and running in all courtroom in the District Court at the Regional Justice Center. Easy access to video conferencing has been highly anticipated and a hot topic at several of the recent Civil Bench Bar meetings. It is expected to save time and money on testimony for out of town witnesses and aid in facilitating the testimony of those who face significant logistical challenges getting to court.

There are a few important considerations to keep in mind including: Counsel/Party must agree to provide all exhibits to the Party or Witness in advance in the same form as have been or will be submitted to the Court Clerk. Any objection to a request must be made in writing within two judicial days of service of a request. Counsel/Party must agree that by submitting a request, the party and witness (or their respective representatives) will test and verify the functionality of video conference connectivity with the court IT department at least two judicial days before the scheduled appearance.  The video conference request form can be found under Court News at Audio/Visual Appearance Request Instructions. Full agreement of counsel isn’t necessary for video testimony to be used; it is up to the judge.

Part IX of the Nevada Supreme Court Rules Governing Appearance by Audiovisual Transmission Equipment can be viewed at https://www.leg.state.nv.us/CourtRules/SCR_AudTranEquip.html. As posted on this site, “The intent of this rule is to promote uniformity in the practices and procedures relating to audiovisual transmission equipment appearances in civil cases.” It’s important to note the following excerpt: “A party choosing to appear by audiovisual transmission equipment at a hearing, conference, or proceeding under this rule must either: Place the phrase “Audiovisual Transmission Equipment Appearance” below the title of the moving, opposing, or reply papers; or at least three court days before the appearance, notify the court and all other parties of the party’s intent to appear by audiovisual transmission equipment. If the notice is oral, it must be given either in person or by audiovisual transmission equipment. If the notice is in writing, it must be given by filing a “Notice of Intent to Appear by Audiovisual Transmission Equipment” with the court at least three court days before the appearance and by serving the notice at the same time on all other parties by personal delivery, fax transmission, express mail, or other means reasonably calculated to ensure delivery to the parties no later than the close of the next business day.”

Bench Bar meetings are one of the best ways to stay up on what’s new in court and to get clarification on issues that surface. On Oct. 24, a joint Guardianship and Probate Bench Bar meeting will be held at the Nevada State Bar office at 3100 S. Charleston Blvd. from 11:30-1:30 p.m. The Blue Ribbon Guardianship Commission will present their report and recommendations on guardianship in Nevada. Attendees will get free Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit and lunch will be served.

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