Opinion ID: 4349053
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Court's Discretion.

Text: This Rule is intended to provide a judge presiding over any matter in District Court with broad discretion regarding the use of videoconferencing. The judge may consider one or more of the following criteria in determining whether to permit the use of videoconferencing technology in a particular case: (1) Whether any undue surprise or prejudice would result; (2) Whether the proponent of the use of videoconferencing technology has been unable, after diligent effort, to procure the physical presence of a witness; (3) The convenience of the parties and the proposed witness, and the cost of producing the witness in person in relation to the importance of the offered testimony; (4) Whether the procedure would allow for full and effective cross-examination, especially where such cross-examination would involve documents or other exhibits; (5) The importance of the witness being personally present in the courtroom where the dignity, solemnity, and decorum of the surroundings will impress upon the witness the duty to testify truthfully; (6) Whether a physical liberty or other fundamental interest is at stake in the proceeding; (7) Whether the court is satisfied that it can sufficiently know and control the proceedings at the remote location so as to effectively extend the courtroom to such location; (8) Whether the participation of an individual from a remote location presents such person in a diminished or distorted sense such that it negatively reflects upon such individual to persons present in the courtroom; (9) Whether the use of videoconferencing diminishes or detracts from the dignity, solemnity, and formality of the proceeding such as to undermine integrity, fairness, and effectiveness; (10) Whether the person proposed to appear by videoconferencing presents a significant security risk to transport and present personally in the courtroom; (11) Waivers and stipulations of the parties offered and agreed upon and approved by the court, including waiver of any requirement set forth in this Rule, or stipulation to any different or modified procedure; and (12) Such other factors as the court may, in each individual case, determine to be relevant.