Rule 145 Use of Telephone or Other Electronic Conference

Judges can hold hearings or conferences by phone or video instead of meeting in person. This applies to most court proceedings, like status updates or motion hearings. However, it does not apply to an actual trial where evidence is presented and a case is decided. For trials, a different law (K.S.A. 60-243(a)) sets the rules about how they must be conducted.

If the court decides to use a phone or video conference, it can also require the people involved in the case to pay for any costs that come with setting it up. This gives judges flexibility to handle routine court business without everyone having to travel to the courthouse, while still keeping trials held to a stricter standard.