APPEARANCE BY TELEPHONIC OR VIDEOCONFERENCE CALL

(a) Telephonic or videoconferencing call allowed. Except as otherwise provided by statute or rule, the court shall, absent good reason, as determined in the court’s discretion, allow any party to appear by telephonic or videoconferencing for any of the following motions, conferences, hearings, or proceedings: (1) Answers and returnables; (2) Status and pretrial conferences; (3) Settlement conferences; and (4) Non-evidentiary motions. If, at any time during a motion, conference, hearing or proceeding conducted by telephonic or videoconferencing, the court determines a personal appearance is necessary by one or more of the parties, the court may continue the matter and require a personal appearance by one or more of the parties. (b) Telephonic or videoconferencing call not allowed. Except as otherwise provided by statute or rule of court or as permitted by the court, telephonic or videoconferencing shall not be permitted for any of the following: (1) Trials; and (2) Evidentiary hearings. COMMENTS: The intent of this rule is to promote uniformity in the practices and procedures relating to telephonic and videoconferencing for civil matters in the district courts of the State. To provide access to justice, promote judicial efficiency and to reduce litigation costs, the courts of the State should permit parties, to the extent feasible, to appear by telephonic or videoconferencing as provided by this rule. (Added April 22, 2022, effective July 1, 2022. ) ARTICLE IV. PARTIES