COMMUNITY
How has technology improved things ?
Chief Judge Blum believes data integration is key and is the reason behind a current project of integrating the Court ’ s electronic warrant data with the Sheriff ’ s and Clerk ’ s offices . This will allow officers easier and faster access to data , save on time , cost of consumables and gas .
How are you handling technology in your courtrooms now and in future ?
Chief Judge Hutchinson said they used video conferencing technology prior to the pandemic for efficiency . During COVID-19 , the Court expanded the use of existing technology . Currently , judges are moving back to in-person format for hearings guided by each judge ’ s comfort level . He believes video conferencing technology will be a part of court procedure in future for convenience , safety and cost saving reasons , with some exceptions .
Judge Ballar found that in adult guardianships , in-person hearings were a huge undertaking for both the adults with developmental delays and their guardians , whereas the appearance by video was much more convenient and helpful . He said rules are needed to create flexibility for all probate courts to determine preferred type of hybrid hearing for the future . especially since these are for minor citations like speeding and no tags .
Judge Hutchinson said with COVID-19 , backlog on the criminal side developed because the more serious cases , like murder , require jury trial , except if a plea is entered . The numbers on civil side ticked downwards because more time was devoted to them .
Judge Ballar explained that Probate Court is statutorily not allowed to be backlogged and so it is not .
Judge Leary thinks it would be nice to have more six-person jury trials , but most request are for twelve-person jury trial . Currently , State Court has more volume in civil as opposed to criminal , and are largely current .
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Judge Armstrong added that cases like the school bus citations are 100 % virtual hearing , but for everything else , a virtual hearing is optional .
Judge Leary commented that she knows that civil attorneys ‘ love ’ the Zoom hearings and it is very efficient for her no service , default and settlement calendars . She also does some bench civil trials by Zoom . It is a great tool to have , but she will have jury trials inperson .
Judge Blum stated that for criminal cases , Magistrate Court has four courtrooms at the jail , so inmates do not need to be transported . A Zoom hearing is always an option in civil cases , but most litigants are self-represented . It is challenging communicating with a pro se litigant through a cracked iPhone screen or when they are driving or in bed . This makes substantive hearings , including introduction of evidence difficult . She believes that technology should enhance access to justice , not inhibit it .
Does Gwinnett County have any backlog of cases ?
Judge Armstrong said Recorders ’ Court does not have a backlog in terms of arraignments , but for trials , there is a longer wait time for appearance than it was pre-COVID-19 .
Thank you , Atlanta Lawyers !
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Judge Park would like to see more people utilize the virtual option , www . atlantabar . org THE ATLANTA LAWYER 27