Court Opinion

ID: 9691441
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-24 20:31:58.02468+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:19:19.711658
License: Public Domain

CONCURRING OPINION
I acknowledge the majority opinion correctly applies the current law to the facts presented. I write to suggest that the practical application of these legal requirements is difficult for the trial officials to accomplish and to offer a suggested solution.
When representing themselves in our courts, most citizens are expected to comply with certain rules. They are required to obtain service of process, obtain a trial setting, appear at the stated time to present evidence, and prepare proposed orders for entry even though they do not have legal training. The trial courts of this State cannot act as an advocate for any party appearing in court.
Clearly, incarcerated persons cannot attend court proceedings without intervention by the trial court. Apparently, Buster is now incarcerated miles away from the forum of this case. In this age of technology, a solution to many of these problems would be video conferencing. I would urge the Legislature to consider action which would authorize and fund video access from the state penitentiaries to a trial court in each county where an institution is located. This would solve the very real security problem and expense of travel while allowing the inmates the right to access our courts.