More virtual hearings offered

SYDNEY — The Nova Scotia Supreme Court (general division) is now ready to offer more options for virtual court proceedings across the province.

Virtual hearings and settlement conferences were first introduced at the law courts in Halifax and are now available at all Supreme Court locations in Nova Scotia.

The court has also expanded the eligibility criteria for virtual court hearings to permit matters with documentary exhibits and viva voce evidence, including cross-examination, as well as civil matters that can be dealt with in three days or less. As well, witnesses who testify remotely in virtual court hearings will now be affirmed.

With these developments, judges and counsel in some Supreme Court matters may now agree that it is possible for their trial to proceed virtually.

Lawyers who have a matter that meets these expanded eligibility criteria and feel it would be appropriate to proceed virtually should contact their local scheduler. Counsel and parties considering virtual court hearings are also encouraged to review Best Practices for Remote Hearings.

Virtual options are expected to play an important part in the court’s pandemic recovery plan in the coming months. These remote appearances allow the court to hear more matters without the need for additional staff and in instances where courtrooms are too small to proceed in-person while respecting social distancing.