The rise of Zoom in courtrooms across Maine and the rest of the country is one of the most significant changes in the legal world in recent years. As a defense attorney, I've seen firsthand how the shift to virtual hearings has transformed both the logistics and dynamics of legal proceedings. What was once unthinkable in the traditional, in-person world of the courtroom is now a staple of daily legal practice.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, the justice system was forced to adapt quickly to ensure the continued functioning of the courts. For criminal defense attorneys, this meant navigating a world where hearings, pretrial motions, and even trials could take place entirely online. For many clients and attorneys, this was an uncomfortable transition. Legal proceedings have always been a place for face-to-face interaction, where body language, tone, and courtroom atmosphere play a significant role in influencing outcomes.

One of the major advantages Zoom has brought to the courtroom is accessibility. Clients no longer have to travel long distances to attend hearings or even trials. In Maine, where rural areas can be far removed from urban centers, this has allowed defendants and their families to participate more fully in the legal process. For those in jail or detention facilities, video conferencing allows them to meet with their attorneys from afar without the need for physical transport, which can be both costly and dangerous.

Zoom has also made scheduling easier. With fewer logistical challenges—such as coordinating transportation, lodging, or scheduling conflicts—court dates can be set more quickly, and hearings that might have been postponed can often proceed as scheduled. This helps to move cases forward more efficiently, reducing the backlog that many courts, especially in Maine, have struggled with for years.

However, it's not all positive. The virtual nature of Zoom hearings can create challenges in communication. The lack of in-person interaction can hinder an attorney's ability to gauge a witness's credibility or assess a jury's reaction during a trial. Technical issues, such as lagging video or poor audio, can also disrupt proceedings, delaying cases or leading to confusion.

Despite these challenges, Zoom has undeniably changed the way courts operate. While in-person hearings will never be completely replaced, the ability to seamlessly conduct virtual proceedings ensures that the legal system remains adaptable, efficient, and responsive to the needs of all those involved, even in a rapidly evolving world.