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In response to the ongoing global pandemic and advancements in technology, Rhode Island's appellate practice has experienced a shift towards remote proceedings. On April 13, 2026, the state's appellate courts announced that they would be expanding their use of virtual hearings and proceedings to allow for greater accessibility and efficiency in the legal process.The move comes as courts across the state have been forced to adapt to remote operations in order to continue functioning during the pandemic. With social distancing measures in place and concerns about public health and safety, many hearings and proceedings have been conducted over video conference platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.According to Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court, Maria Hernandez, the transition to remote proceedings has been largely successful, with many attorneys and litigants finding the convenience and flexibility of virtual hearings to be advantageous. "We have seen an increase in the use of remote proceedings over the past year, and we believe that this trend will continue to grow in the coming years," said Chief Justice Hernandez.One of the major benefits of remote proceedings is the ability for attorneys and litigants from out-of-state to participate in hearings without having to travel to Rhode Island. This has not only saved time and money for those involved, but has also allowed for a more diverse and inclusive legal process.Despite the advantages of remote proceedings, some attorneys have expressed concerns about the potential drawbacks, such as technical glitches, lack of access to physical evidence, and difficulties in maintaining confidentiality. However, Chief Justice Hernandez assured that the courts are taking measures to address these issues and ensure a fair and efficient process for all parties involved.As Rhode Island's appellate practice continues to embrace technology and adapt to the changing legal landscape, it is clear that remote proceedings will play an increasingly important role in the future of the state's legal system. With the support of the legal community and continued innovation in technology, the appellate courts are confident that they can meet the challenges of the 21st century and provide a more accessible and streamlined legal process for all.