Opinion
21 EM 2020
06-07-2022
IN RE: FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA
ORDER
PER CURIAM.
AND NOW, this 7th day of June, 2022, the Request Pursuant to Pa.R.J.A. 1952(B)(2)(m), is GRANTED.
The President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County is authorized to suspend state or local rules that restrict the use of advanced communication technology (ACT) in court proceedings through September 6, 2022, subject to state and federal constitutional limitations.
Judges shall be present in the courthouse, judicial center, or other court facility whenever a proceeding is being conducted by ACT, except for extraordinary circumstances, such as when court properties have been closed due to inclement weather or other emergency under Pa.R.J.A. 1950-1954, or when a proceeding is not being conducted during normal business hours.
Justices Donohue and Wecht note their dissent.