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In a significant development for the North Carolina civil practice system, state courts announced on March 16, 2026, that they will be increasing online accessibility for court proceedings. The move is aimed at making the legal process more efficient and user-friendly for residents across the state.The North Carolina Judicial Branch unveiled the new initiative, which will allow for a significant portion of civil court proceedings to be conducted virtually. This includes everything from pre-trial conferences to hearings and even some trials. By utilizing video conferencing technology, parties involved in civil cases will no longer have to physically appear in court for every proceeding.One of the key benefits of this new online accessibility is the time and cost savings for both parties and the court system. Virtual court proceedings eliminate the need for travel and allow for greater flexibility in scheduling, making it easier for individuals with busy schedules to participate in the legal process.Additionally, the increased online accessibility is expected to improve access to justice for all North Carolina residents. By removing barriers to participation, such as transportation and scheduling conflicts, the court system hopes to ensure that all parties have fair and equal access to legal proceedings.In a statement, Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, Mark Martin, emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to improve the legal system. "By embracing online accessibility, we are taking a significant step towards a more modern and efficient court system that better serves the needs of our citizens," Chief Justice Martin said.The move to increase online accessibility for civil court proceedings comes as part of a larger effort by the North Carolina Judicial Branch to modernize and streamline the legal process. The state courts have already implemented electronic filing systems and expanded online resources for legal research and case management.Overall, the introduction of increased online accessibility for civil court proceedings in North Carolina represents a positive step forward for the state's legal system. By leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and accessibility, the courts are working towards a more user-friendly and equitable process for all parties involved.