In Re Virtual and Blended Court Proceedings, Revised Rule 43, and Proposed Rule 88 of the Arkansas Rules of Civil…

Summary

The Supreme Court of Arkansas solicited written comments on a proposed amendment to Rule 43 and proposed Rule 88 governing virtual and blended court proceedings. The proposed framework would allow virtual or blended hearings and nonjury trials when specified safeguards protect parties' rights, preserve a concurrent record, permit meaningful participation, ensure workable evidence procedures, and provide public access. It would permit only limited remote participation in jury trials and would restrict recording or broadcasting of such proceedings.