Submitted by: Danny Schaible
Submitting Department: Legislative
Agenda Section: Action
Item Title:
title
Authorization of Letter to Prince George’s County Judges in Support of Continued Virtual Access to Prince George’s County Courtrooms
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
I move that the Mayor and Council prepare letters to be sent to Prince George’s County Administrative Judges Sheila Tillerson Adams and Lisa Hall Johnson in support of continued virtual public access to Prince George’s County courtroom proceedings, for observers.
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Summary Background:
For many Hyattsville residents, attending a courtroom proceeding in person can present a significant challenge. In-person court appearances typically require a day off from work with lost wages. Public transportation from Hyattsville to the Circuit Court in Upper Marlboro takes around four (4) hours. Elderly and physically impaired residents can find this journey extremely difficult. A taxi or rideshare service can be prohibitively expensive. Virtual access for litigants and courtroom observers, as implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, has eliminated barriers for Hyattsville residents who need to use the court system, and has increased confidence and transparency in our judicial system. We request that virtual access to Prince George’s County Courts be continued post-pandemic.
For additional background information, refer to draft letter to be sent to Judges Sheila Tillerson Adams and Lisa Hall Johnson.
Next Steps:
Minimal administrative support will be required of staff prior to submitting letters of support to Prince George’s County judges.
Fiscal Impact:
N/A
City Administrator Comments:
NA
Community Engagement:
N/A
Strategic Goals:
Goal 1 - Ensure Transparent and Accessible Governance
Legal Review Required?
N/A