NOTICE REGARDING THE USE OF THE COURT’S MICROSOFT TEAMS PLATFORM:
- Notice Regarding Use of the Video, Chat or Audio from Court Proceedings: For confidential hearings or proceedings: copying, recording, broadcasting, or disseminating any part is strictly prohibited and such action can be considered a direct contempt of court and could be subject to penalty. For public hearings or proceedings: copying, recording, broadcasting, or disseminating any part shall require the written authorization of the presiding judicial officer and shall not be considered the official court record. Selling, licensing, altering, or modifying the video, chat, or audio content is likewise prohibited. See W. Va. Trial Court Rule 8.
- No communications between parties, witnesses, or attorneys using the Court’s Microsoft Teams platform should be considered private.
- Do not use the Microsoft Teams chat feature during virtual hearings unless absolutely necessary. All communications with the judge and other litigants should be done verbally and on the record.
- It is recommended that parties and litigants have an independent means, other than the Court’s Microsoft Teams platform, to communicate with their attorney or legal team to prevent any unintended disclosure of privileged communications. Whichever system is used, have it on a separate device and test for functionality beforehand.
- It is important to double check you are on mute in the Microsoft Teams meeting before participating in any private conversations. Where possible leave the Microsoft Teams meeting first to avoid inadvertent disclosures.
- If in separate locations, attorneys and parties may communicate privately via text or email during hearings, provided however, parties may not communicate with counsel while they are testifying. No one may communicate with witnesses privately during a hearing without court permission.
