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On August 18, 2025, the Texas Supreme Court made a groundbreaking decision regarding appellate practice in the state by ruling that virtual hearings will now be allowed for all civil appeals. This decision comes as a response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and reflects the court's commitment to ensuring access to justice while prioritizing the health and safety of all participants in the legal process.The ruling, which was announced in a unanimous decision by the justices, signifies a major shift in how appellate practice will be conducted in Texas moving forward. Prior to this decision, virtual hearings were only allowed in certain circumstances, such as emergencies or for individuals with disabilities. However, with this ruling, virtual hearings will now become the default method for all civil appeals, providing a more convenient and efficient way for cases to be heard and decided.Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court, John Doe, expressed his support for the new ruling, stating that it reflects the court's commitment to embracing technology and innovation in the legal field. He emphasized that this decision will not only streamline the appellate process but will also ensure that all parties involved have equal access to justice, regardless of their location or circumstances.The decision has been met with mixed reactions from the legal community in Texas. While some attorneys and judges have applauded the court's move towards modernizing appellate practice, others have voiced concerns about the potential challenges and drawbacks of conducting virtual hearings, such as technical difficulties and issues with communication and witness credibility.Despite these concerns, the Texas Supreme Court remains optimistic about the benefits of virtual hearings for civil appeals and is confident that the new ruling will ultimately lead to a more efficient and accessible appellate practice system in the state. As the legal community adapts to this new way of conducting hearings, only time will tell how this decision will impact the Texas appellate practice landscape in the years to come.