Atlanta, August 5, 2021 – Chief Justice David E. Nahmias announced today that the Supreme Court’s oral arguments scheduled for Aug. 24, 25 and 26 will be conducted remotely.
The Court’s decision to return to video conferencing for oral arguments comes in the wake of revised public health guidance and the increase of delta variant COVID-19 cases in Georgia. Although the Statewide Judicial Emergency Order initially declared in March 2020 expired on June 30, the Court has extended emergency rules that allow all levels of Georgia’s courts to continue conducting certain proceedings using video conferencing technology.
“We continue to encourage courts to conduct remote proceedings when it is lawful, effective, and safer,” Nahmias said. “Our Court would prefer in-person oral arguments, but we have found remote oral arguments to be reasonably effective and safer for those involved with them. Evidentiary hearings and jury trials that must be done in-person should continue with appropriate public health protections in place.”
No decision has been made yet regarding the Court’s oral arguments scheduled in mid-September. The Court will continue to monitor the pandemic situation in Georgia.