New technology upgrades at courthouses in Warren, Montgomery and Audrain counties has enabled judges to hear many cases through video conference, allowing them to clear through a backlog of cases built up since last year.

One of the lesser known challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic is the pressure it has put on an already busy criminal justice system. Since spring 2020, courts in Missouri have been barred from most in-person sessions at the direction of the state Supreme Court. In the initial months, the mounting cases not being heard threatened to create a backlog that might take years to clear.

But thanks to new video and audio equipment installed at every court in the 12th Circuit, judges and clerks can connect remotely with attorneys and their clients, getting cases moving again. While video conferencing was previously used in a limited capacity, Presiding Judge Jason Lamb said the COVID pandemic completely changed the focus on the technology.

“The judiciary has twin goals. Number one is ensuring access to justice for all litigants. Number two is ensuring the health and safety of all people who enter into the courthouses,” Lamb said. “The video technology helps us accomplish both of those goals. It helps us to keep cases moving, to give access to people to ensure they have their day in court, and also reduce the foot traffic that would come into the courthouse.”

Only a few types of cases are allowed to be heard in person right now, Lamb said, and any kind of jury trial has remained on hold since the COVID shutdown began — that’s not the kind of proceeding you can have by video.

“There’s no doubt there’s a backlog (of cases). ... We are doing everything we can to hear as many cases as we are allowed,” Lamb said. 

He added that many hearings are actually quicker and easier to arrange through video than in person. Because of that new efficiency, Lamb estimates the backlog of cases will only take a few months to clear, with the exception of jury trials.

 Lamb predicts video technology will become a mainstay of court proceedings even after COVID.

“Major events always have unanticipated changes that come about from them. In my opinion, for the judicial system, it’s video technology,” Lamb commented. “The impact that will have on the everyday business of the courts after the pandemic ... will be a major shift in how the courts interact with the public and with attorneys.”

Warren County Court Clerk Tim Beard, in charge of the office that tracks and schedules court hearings, said he’s seen the benefits of the video tech every day. He commented that Associate Judge Richard Scheibe was able to hold 400-500 hearings in one day from his office at the courthouse, a nearly impossible feat to arrange for in-person court.

“I love it. ... It eliminates the hundred people (in court), the foot traffic, people standing in the hallway waiting to get into the courtroom. It’s easier for them,” Beard said. He commented that the system requires a little more arrangement from court clerks, but pays off in efficiency.

Beard said the tech upgrades for the Warren County courthouse, which included some conveniences beyond just video tech, cost about $50,000. The money came from court fees collected over time and didn’t use any tax dollars, Beard said.

When courts do reopen for in-person proceedings, Beard also pointed out that each courtroom has new plexiglass dividers to help separate seating areas. Those installations were paid for by federal CARES funds distributed to Warren County.