More Appellate Practice news More news in Missouri Find Appellate Practice lawyers in Missouri
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Missouri appellate courts have announced a significant shift towards virtual hearings as a means to continue operations while prioritizing the health and safety of all parties involved. The move towards virtual hearings comes as the state continues to grapple with rising cases of the Delta variant and seeks to minimize in-person interactions whenever possible.On July 31, 2025, the Missouri Supreme Court issued an order outlining the guidelines for conducting virtual appellate hearings. The order, which applies to all appellate courts in the state, allows parties to conduct oral arguments remotely using video conferencing technology. This marks a departure from traditional in-person hearings, which have been the standard practice for many years.The shift towards virtual hearings is aimed at streamlining the appellate process and ensuring continued access to justice for all parties involved. By conducting hearings remotely, parties can save time and resources that would otherwise be spent on travel and accommodations. Additionally, virtual hearings provide greater flexibility for attorneys and litigants who may have scheduling conflicts or other commitments that make attending in-person hearings difficult.While virtual hearings have become more common in recent years, their widespread adoption in the appellate courts marks a significant milestone for the Missouri legal system. The move towards virtual hearings is expected to have a lasting impact on appellate practice in the state, with many predicting that remote hearings will become a permanent fixture even after the pandemic subsides.Overall, the shift towards virtual hearings in the Missouri appellate courts reflects a broader trend towards digital transformation in the legal industry. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that virtual hearings will become the new norm in appellate practice, offering a more efficient and accessible way for parties to present their cases before the court.