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Chief Justice Durand urges continued court innovations, asks for $3.9 million to retain judicial assistants
Summary
Chief Justice Durand told the Utah House that virtual hearings and new online services have expanded access to justice, but stressed technology limits and workforce strain; he asked lawmakers to approve $3.9 million in ongoing funds to raise judicial assistant pay and to convert critical IT one‑time funding into ongoing support.
Chief Justice Durand told the Utah House that pandemic-era innovations such as virtual hearings and new online services have expanded access to justice across the state but also revealed operational strains that require legislative support.
"Tens of thousands of individuals have been able to fully engage in their court cases by appearing in virtual court without the need to take time off work or interrupt home responsibilities," Durand said, noting that remote appearances have saved travel time and expenses for attorneys, parties and witnesses. He acknowledged, however, that remote proceedings have sometimes slowed when participants experienced Internet or audio/video problems, and that…
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