Oral Arguments
Oral Arguments
Though virtual arguments began out of necessity in May 2020, the Court made them a permanent option by amending its rules and formalizing the process. Effective July 1, 2022, parties may ask for permission to argue virtually for reasons including (but not limited to) budget, health concerns, or geographic distance.
Georgia Court of Appeals Judge Brian Rickman explained why the court decided to continue offering lawyers the option to argue virtually, even after in-person arguments resumed. “We collectively felt like having this option to request virtual appearance moving forward would provide attorneys and citizens with flexibility that takes into account some of the life realities we all face.” Judge Rickman continued, “We will maintain the hybrid option so that one attorney’s request to appear virtually will not impact the choice of opposing counsel, who may prefer to appear in person.”
Court of Appeals Rule 28 (a) (5) provides:
“Oral argument will be in person unless the Court directs that it shall be conducted remotely or in a hybrid format. A party may file a request for remote appearance by filing a “Request for Remote Appearance”. The request for remote appearance shall specify a reason for the request. Acceptable reasons include, but are not limited to, health concerns, budgetary constraints, and time constraints. The party requesting remote appearance shall contact the opposing party, inquire whether that party also desires to argue remotely, and report on the response in the request. Requests shall not exceed five pages and should be filed no later than seven days before the argument. Requests filed after that date shall state a reason for the delay.”
For Attorneys Arguing via Zoom: Zoom Oral Argument Guide & Day of Oral Argument Information (PDF)