N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R.
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER 11 - INTERACTIVE TELEVISION PILOT PROJECT SOUTH CENTRAL JUDICIAL DISTRICT [REPEALED]
This Order authorizes the South Central Judicial District to implement an
interactive
television (ITV) pilot project with ITV sites in the South Central Judicial District. The ITV
pilot project is intended for proceedings that would otherwise be delayed to avoid the time
and expense of travel and for the convenience of the participants. It is the intent of the pilot
project to enhance the current level of judicial services available in the outlying counties of
the South Central Judicial District and not in any way to reduce the current level of judicial
services to such counties.
A. Procedural Exception. The ITV pilot project is excepted from any procedural
statute or
rule to the extent the procedure provided in this Order is in conflict with the procedural
statute or rule including the following: N.D.R.Civ.P. 43; N.D.R.Crim.P. 5, 10, 11, 15, 17.1,
26, 32, and 43; and N.D.C.C. § 31-04-04.
B. Applicability.
1. Civil Action. In a civil action, the court may conduct a hearing conference, or
other
proceeding and permit the taking of testimony by ITV unless a party objects.
2. Criminal Action. In a criminal action, the court may conduct a hearing,
conference, or
other proceeding, and permit the taking of testimony by ITV except as otherwise provided
in this Order.
a. A defendant may not plead guilty to nor be sentenced for a felony by
ITV.
b. A defendant convicted of a misdemeanor may not be sentenced by ITV unless
the parties
consent.
c. A witness may not testify by ITV unless the defendant knowingly and
voluntarily waives
his or her right to have the witness testify in person.
3. Special Proceeding. In a special proceeding, the court may conduct a hearing,
conference, or other proceeding and permit the taking of testimony by ITV unless a party
objects.
4. Mental Health Proceeding. The court may allow testimony to be taken by ITV if
the
respondent knowingly and voluntarily waives his or her right to be present and to have
witnesses testify in person.
C. Notice, Objection, and Consent.
1. Notice. In any action or special proceeding, except Mental Health matters, if the
court
intends to conduct a hearing, conference, or other proceeding by ITV, the clerk of court for
the county of venue must serve the parties with advance written notice. A party desiring to
take testimony by ITV must serve written notice on all other parties at least 10 days in
advance of the hearing. In a civil action or special proceeding, the notice must advise a party
of the right to object to the use of ITV.
2. Objection. In a civil action or special proceeding, a party may object to the use
of ITV
by serving and filing an objection no later than 5 days after the ITV notice is served. ITV
may not be used over objection except as provided in N.D.R.Civ.P. 43.
3. Consent. Upon mutual consent of the parties of an action, and with the approval
of the
court, the notice requirements may be waived to allow for the conducting of proceedings
upon short notice.
D. Protocol.
1. A sheriff, sheriff's deputy, or other licensed police officer must be present at an
ITV site
at such times as the court directs.
2. A transcript prepared from an ITV recording may serve as the record of the
proceedings
for purposes of appeal.
3. An attorney for a party must be present at the ITV site from which the party will
participate. Upon the mutual consent of the parties, and with the approval of the court, an
attorney for a party may be present and participate at an ITV site other than the one from
which the party will participate.
4. Each ITV site must provide a facility for a private attorney-client conference
apart from,
but located near, the ITV site.
5. A facsimile machine must be available at each ITV site for use in conjunction
with an
ITV proceeding.
6. The public must be permitted to see and hear any ITV proceeding from the
courtroom
unless the hearing is restricted by state law or court order.
7. Arrangements for the use and operation of the ITV equipment must be made
with the
clerk of court for each county where the ITV equipment will be used.
8. The clerk of court shall ensure the ITV equipment is functional and that
qualified
personnel are present to operate the ITV equipment and instruct the participants on its proper
use.
9. In the event of equipment failure, such failure is "good cause" for purposes of a
continuance, and the proceeding must be continued until reset by the clerk of court or district
court administrator.
E. Effective Date. This Order is effective March 20, 2000, and remains in effect
until June
30, 2003, or further order of this court.