Rule 12.2.1 Virtual Events; Court Proceedings
Rule Text
(a) Definitions. "Virtual event" means a meeting or conference conducted by telephone; or any meeting, conference, or court proceeding conducted by video; and shall include any such meeting, conference, or proceeding that includes all participants appearing virtually; as well as hybrid events where there is a mix of live and virtual participation.
(b) Consent. Any event in any juvenile court proceeding may be conducted pursuant to UJCR 12.2 as a virtual event if it is done with the consent of the parties and by agreement of the court. Absent consent, the following provisions apply.
(c) Delinquency, CHINS, Juvenile Traffic Proceedings. All matters in cases involving delinquency, child in need of services, or juvenile traffic offenses may be conducted pursuant to Rule 12.2 except those for which the Constitution or other law requires in-person proceedings, and provided that the consent of all parties to having the matter heard by video conference is required for:
1. Formal adjudicatory hearings on petitions alleging the delinquency of a child or that a child is in need of services; and
2. Hearings involving the violation of a juvenile court protective order that may result in the loss of liberty of the person alleged to have violated the protective hearing.
This rule does not abrogate any constitutional right that requires in-person proceedings. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this rule, a judge may order the personal appearance of a child alleged to be a delinquent child, a child in need of services, or a juvenile traffic offence in court for any hearing.
(d) Proceedings in Dependency, Termination of Parental Rights; Special Proceedings. All matters in cases involving allegations in dependency, termination of parental rights, or any special proceedings matter may be conducted pursuant to Rule 12.2.
(e) Child Protection. Any child who is a party to a dependency or termination of parental rights proceeding may appear by video conference at any hearing or review unless the court in its discretion requires the child to appear in person.
(f) Effective Date. This rule shall be effective for any virtual event taking place on or after August 15, 2024.