Rhode Island Supreme Court hears arguments remotely

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — Instead of "all rise," it's more like, "can you hear me?"

For the first time in the history of the Rhode Island Supreme Court, justices on Wednesday heard oral arguments in cases with the use of remote technology.

"Good morning to counsel and welcome to the Rhode Island Supreme Court," Chief Justice Paul Suttell said to open the session.

People could listen in live on YouTube, starting with the first case at 9:30 a.m.

"This is a truly historic occasion," Suttell said.

All five state Supreme Court justices who would normally hear cases in the courtroom together did that separately at different locations.

They listened to lawyers, who made their arguments from remote locations.

"Each side will have 10 minutes with a two-minute rebuttal period for the appellant," said Suttell, as he explained the rules.

The first case was that of a man filing an appeal after he felt a lower court judge wrongfully found him in contempt of court.

"Mr. Lamontagne was understandably emotional after sentencing. His comment here was impolite, but it wasn't criminal," said Camille McKenna, a defense lawyer.

The state's stance on the issue?

"The only thing we have here is the cold, hard record and that record shows that the judge didn't say 'excuse me' with a question mark. She said, 'excuse me, excuse me.' The record reflects that she was trying to gain control of her courtroom," Mariana Ormonde, attorney for the plaintiff.

Oral arguments in seven Rhode Island Supreme Court cases are scheduled to be heard remotely Wednesday and Thursday.