Livin’ in the Future: Analyzing State Statutes on Video Teleconferencing in Criminal Court Proceedings

There has been a drastic increase in the use of video teleconferencing (VTC) in judicial proceedings since the COVID-19 pandemic, which has sparked debate about the appropriateness of incorporating this new technology into courts’ routine operations. A systematic review of state laws on using video teleconferencing technology in criminal court proceedings shows courts across the United States are cautiously embracing the convenience of remote proceedings. However, legislators are more conservative about using video teleconferencing in higher-stakes proceedings such as evidentiary hearings and sentencing hearings, by either prohibiting the use or requiring the parties’ consent. Other aspects of state statutes include special rules for child witnesses, expert witnesses, and incarcerated individuals.