North Carolina appeals court online arguments is a first

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — The COVID-19 outbreak means North Carolina’s intermediate-level appeals court will make history by hearing oral arguments in a case using online video.

Three judges from the state Court of Appeals plan to listen to lawyers remotely on Thursday through videoconferencing, which will be a first for the court. It’s an appeal of a verdict in a civil lawsuit in which the plaintiffs alleged battery and won a monetary award.

Members of the public also can watch the arguments online, like they can in person under normal circumstances.