Christopher Adams spoke with the New Jersey Law Journal about an order from New Jersey’s chief federal judge providing for various types of proceedings to be conducted by video or phone conference. The judge found “ pursuant to Section 15002(b)(1) of the CARE Act … that criminal proceedings cannot be conducted in person without seriously jeopardizing public health and safety. Christopher said he has had good experiences so far, and defendants are likely to opt for using the remote measures rather than wait for in-person proceedings. “One week before the order, I had three bail review hearings held … telephonically. The system worked well and in all three circumstances the defendants consented to the remote system because the alternative was uncertain,” he said. Christopher added, “They could have their review done quickly and that day, or they could wait until they would be permitted to come to court. Of course there are constitutional issues at stake, but there are also public health/life and death decisions at stake and Judge Wolfson’s order strikes a reasonable balance between the two.”
4.2.2020