The move to virtual hearings at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic not only helped protect public health; it also increased participation in court proceedings. Technological advancements affect every industry and organization. As new digital technologies arise, they present new, more effective ways to get things done, and the court system is no exception.

The pandemic of 2020 will be remembered for generations, not only due to the loss of life but also because of the changes it forced society to make. Wearing masks, social distancing, and teleworking have changed almost every aspect of American life—including the court system. Although the long-term goal of returning to normal, the reality is that some aspects of virtual depositions and court applications may continue long term.

With social distancing recommendations in place by the CDC during the COVID-19 pandemic, courts have found new ways to conduct proceedings. Technology has played a large role in transforming proceedings, with numerous states seeing success with these new practices. 

In the courtroom, trials can stretch on for days. They can last even longer if law enforcement officers do not arrive at the appointed times. The Orion CourtNotify cloud-based software has been closing these types of gaps for years now by automating the court notification process and tracking officer's court attendance.