Courtroom Technology

The courtrooms in Lincoln and Omaha are equipped with audio-visual equipment, which is available for use during any proceeding. The courtrooms provide the following:

• Guest wireless internet for participants;

• USB ports to electronically display exhibits;

• Document camera that can display paper exhibits on the monitors for an in-person or video proceeding;

• DVD / CD player capability (with knowledge prior to start of hearing); and

• Capability to hold proceedings by video.

The court uses the Google Meet platform for video trials and hearings. NEB. REV. STAT. § 48-177 governs video proceedings. If parties do not agree on a video proceeding, a motion should be filed following general motion procedures. For questions regarding filing a motion, contact the trial judge’s judicial assistant.  

• If a video proceeding is granted by the trial judge, the court will coordinate the video conference and provide the video link to parties.

• Participants do NOT need to have a Google account to participate in a Google Meet video conference.

• Parties have to be allowed into the video session by court staff, which reduces the risk of the video conference being accessed by outside sources.

• Parties can join a video conference using a computer or laptop with a webcam and microphone, tablet, iPad, or a smartphone. 

• No software is required to be installed on a computer or laptop.

• If using a tablet, iPad, or smartphone, the Google Meet app will need to be installed.

• The court can accommodate proceedings held on other video platforms, but they must be arranged by the parties. Work with the trial judge’s judicial assistant to coordinate the use of other video platforms.

• If any of the participants are not familiar with Google Meet, we ask to schedule a time to test with court staff prior to the proceeding. Witnesses should also test. Contact the trial judge’s judicial assistant to coordinate testing.

• Exhibits need to be delivered to the court the prior business day to the proceeding. Coordinate with the judge’s judicial assistant to determine the best way to deliver the exhibits to the judge.

• Attorneys or self-represented litigants should consider how they expect to share exhibits with the witnesses, if needed. Google Meet does have an option to screen share in the video conference. The court also has document cameras compatible with Google Meet available in the Lincoln and Omaha courtrooms. Contact the trial judge’s judicial assistant for technical details on document sharing in Google Meet. Providing paper copies of the exhibits to witnesses prior to the proceeding is an option also.   

• Generally, the court reporter will appear with the judge. However, the court reporter may appear remotely. Coordinate with the judge’s assistant and the court reporter to determine where the court reporter will appear for the proceeding.

• If joining the video conference from a company device or internet connection, make sure the company’s firewall allows access to Google Meet. Click here for guidance on preparing your network for Google Meet video calls.

• Ensure you have a reliable internet connection.

• Find a quiet, well-lit room to participate in.

• Have a place to sit your smartphone or laptop on to minimize movements and ensure a good video connection.

• Treat a video conference as if you were in person with the judge and participants.

Anyone who wishes to use the court’s audio-visual equipment for a trial / hearing is strongly encouraged to test their device prior to the scheduled trial / hearing. It is recommended that the testing is completed at least 24 hours in advance of the trial / hearing. Please bring the device that will be used (e.g. laptop, tablet, cell phone, etc.) and the media that will be displayed at the trial / hearing (e.g., exhibits on a DVD, surveillance video, etc.). Please contact Kim Krzycki, Clerk of the Court, by phone at 402-471-6466 or  by email to schedule a testing session.