Rule 14 Telephone or video conferences

Judges can handle certain routine matters over the phone or through video calls instead of requiring everyone to show up in court. This applies to things like scheduling issues, questions about serving legal papers, or disputes about gathering evidence in the case.

If the parties involved agree to it, or if someone files a proper motion under Rule 17(c), the court can also take actual testimony by phone or video. This means witnesses may be able to testify without physically appearing in the courtroom, as long as the right steps are followed first.

This rule gives courts flexibility to keep cases moving without always needing an in-person hearing. It can save time and make things easier for people involved in the case, while still following proper procedures when testimony is involved.