Videoconferencing
Once thought of as expensive and extravagant, videoconferencing is now thought of as efficient and economical thanks to modern advances in technology. With high-definition cameras and TVs, attorneys can take depositions, examine experts, and attend trials and hearings without missing a beat. Videoconferencing is perfect for cases that require litigation teams to travel out of town during the discovery process or depose experts in other locations. In Nebraska alone, there are videoconferencing facilities in Omaha, Lincoln, Columbus, Grand Island, Hastings, North Platte, O'Neil , and Scottsbluff, to name a few. Traveling to these locations for one-hour depositions or trials is a thing of the past. Some court reporting firms even have their own videoconferencing systems and/or have access to vetted, trustworthy videoconferencing systems across the country.
Benefits of videoconferencing include:
- Reduced travel costs (flight, hotel, car, meals, etc.)
- Access to remote areas
- Reduction in non-billable hours
- Reduced expenses for deposing expert witnesses
- Ability to split videoconferencing costs with other non-traveling parties
The Nebraska Legislature recognized the benefits of videoconferencing, with the introduction of LB 103 and Neb. Rev. Stat. 48-177(3). Specifically, LB 103 provides that, among other things, "the judge, in his or her discretion, may in any proceeding authorized by the provisions of this section [Section 24-734 of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska] not involving testimony of witnesses by oral examination, use telephonic, videoconferencing, or similar methods to conduct such proceedings." LB 103 also goes on to add under Section 43-278 of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2012, that "all communications, notices, orders, authorizations, and requests authorized or required in the Nebraska Juvenile Code; all nonevidentiary hearings; and any evidentiary hearings approved by the court and by stipulation of all parties may be heard by the court telephonically or by videoconferencing in a manner that ensures the preservation of an accurate record." Such modifications allow for attorneys and judges to take full advantage of videoconferencing at hearings and trials. These opportunities are already being taken advantage of by courts across the state, including the Douglas County Courthouse, which has successfully installed wireless internet throughout the courtrooms, allowing attorneys to examine witnesses from remote locations.
As discussed above, there have also been changes to Neb. Rev. Stat. 48-177(3), which now provides that "all nonevidentiary hearings, and any evidentiary hearings approved by the compensation court and by stipulation of the parties, may be heard by the court telephonically or by videoconferencing or similar equipment at any location within the state as ordered by the court." This change will benefit those Nebraska workers who live out of state, or workers who were injured in Nebraska and moved out of state, as they will not have to incur the cost of travel or take time off from work to attend hearings or trials.
Additional features, such as document cameras and the ability to share a computer's desktop with others, only enhance the videoconferencing experience. Document cameras allow attorneys and witnesses to work seamlessly with exhibits, limiting downtime and confusion. The ability to share desktops allow attorneys and witnesses to share files and presentations as if they were viewing them in person. However, even without these additional features, videoconferencing is simply the most cost-effective way to conduct depositions or trials remotely.
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