Proceeding Locations
CAH is mindful of the benefits of both in-person and remote court proceedings:
- Respecting the tenets of procedural fairness;
- Enhancing fair, timely, and impartial court services through virtual and electronic technologies;
- Reducing travel, parking, and negative impact to the environment; and
- Supporting continuity of operations, including during health and safety situations.
Presumed Proceeding Locations
The following location is presumed for each type of proceeding. Parties may move the court to use an alternative proceeding location on a case-by-case basis.
Administrative Law Division
| Proceeding type | Remote | In Person |
|---|---|---|
| On-the-record proceeding where an interpreter is present | X | |
| Non-record proceeding where an interpreter is present | X
Telephone |
|
| Evidentiary Hearings | X | |
| Mediations | X | |
| Settlement Conferences | X | |
| Prehearing Conferences | X
Telephone |
|
| Attorney Fee Hearings | X
Teams |
|
| Motion Hearings | X
Teams |
|
| Public Comment Hearings | X
Webex |
Workers' Compensation Division
| Proceeding type | Remote | In Person |
|---|---|---|
| On-the-record proceeding where an interpreter is present | X | |
| Non-record proceeding where an interpreter is present | X
Telephone |
|
| Evidentiary Hearings | X | |
| Mediations | X | |
| .239 Conferences | X
Telephone |
|
| Pretrial Conferences | X
Telephone |
|
| Settlement Conferences | X
Telephone |
|
| Attorney Fee Hearings | X
Teams |
|
| Motion Hearings | X
Teams |
|
| Asbestos Conferences | X
Webex |
Microsoft Teams
Teams is recommended as an alternative location for most proceedings that cannot be held in person, because:
- There’s no additional cost to the state and no cost to participants;
- Participants can share their screen to help present exhibits;
- Participants do not need to create an account;
- Participants can connect from computers, mobile devices, or tablets.
Webex
Webex is recommended for public comment hearings in our Administrative Law Division and asbestos conferences in our Workers’ Compensation Division because:
- It allows us to use an operator-assisted call to moderate public comments;
- It reduces barriers, such as travel;
- Participants can see more people at once if video is used (up to 25);
- Participants do not need to create an account;
- Participants can connect from computers, mobile devices, or tablets; and
- The record-keeping features support accurate rosters of hearing attendance.
Webex is also a good option for other proceedings involving numerous parties and their representatives.
Hybrid
A hybrid proceeding is one where some participants appear in person and others virtually. A hybrid proceeding may be helpful, for example, to minimize travel for witnesses.
ITV
Interactive Television (ITV) is used in limited scope for particular hearings in our Administrative Law Division. Whenever possible, Teams is the preferred platform over ITV.
CAH staff work with other government agencies to find a convenient and cost-effective location for the requesting party to appear via ITV. Typically, there is no fee for the service when CAH can connect to a site at another government location. If the site charges a fee, that fee is billed to the requesting party.
To request ITV, make a motion to the presiding judge, or contact OAH.TechHelp@state.mn.us.