N.D. W. Va. LR Gen P 5.07

(a) Video Technology: District judges, the bankruptcy judge, and magistrate

judges may conduct hearings and proceedings using video telecommunications

pursuant to the provisions of this Local Rule. Video hearings may be held in the

following instances:

(1) Criminal proceedings consistent with LR Cr P 43.01,

(2) Civil proceedings, and

(3) Bankruptcy proceedings.

(b) Video Facilities and Equipment: During any hearing or proceeding under

this Local Rule, the Court shall assure that:

(1) The facility and equipment enable counsel to be present personally

with the out-of-court party and to confer privately with such party outside

the reach of the camera and audio microphone.

(2) The judge must be able to fully view the out-of-court party and

counsel, though not necessarily at the same time. The out-of-court party

and counsel must be able to fully view the judge and all attorneys present

in the courtroom, though not necessarily at the same time.

(3) The facility must have the capacity, through video equipment or

through fax or e-mail, to contemporaneously transmit documents and

exhibits.

(4) Color images shall be transmitted in color.

(5) The audio and video transmission shall be of such quality, design and

architecture as to allow easy public viewing of all public proceedings. The

use of video technology in conducting hearings and proceedings shall in no

way abridge any right that the public may have to access the courtroom.

(6) The official record of any proceeding conducted using video

telecommunications shall be made in a manner prescribed by the judicial

officer conducting the proceedings.

(c) Counsel Duty to Notify: Absent an order to the contrary, if a party has a

need to use any type of courtroom technology at a hearing or trial, including the use of

document presentation equipment, video equipment, and/or audio equipment, counsel

must notify the Clerk’s Office of the need for the courtroom technology at least seven (7)

days before the hearing or trial. Counsel shall also be responsible for testing their

equipment with the courtroom technology at least three (3) days prior to the hearing or

trial.

E-Government Act