Court changes in response to COVID-19 pandemic create problems for lawyers

Hearings go digital

DETROIT – Some courts are going digital due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, but that presents its own set of issues.

Legal expert Neil Rockind said changes are putting the legal system in a bind.

“In some respects, they’re adequate but in most respects they’re not," Rockind said.

For instance some judges are using Zoom to hear cases, which causes a communication gap for attorneys.

“It’s virtually impossible for me to have that kind of confidential communication with the client," Rockind said. "I can’t stop the client from speaking. I can’t encourage the client. I can’t whisper to him or her. You can’t write a note to him or her.”


About the Authors:

Hank Winchester is Local 4’s Consumer Investigative Reporter and the head of WDIV’s “Help Me Hank” Consumer Unit. Hank works to solve consumer complaints, reveal important recalls and track down thieves who have ripped off people in our community.