The Illinois Supreme Court, for the first time in its history, will hold oral arguments via the Zoom videoconference platform when it hears cases in May. The court is doing this to practice social distancing while still conducting court proceedings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These are extraordinary times, but what we have found is that we can keep our traditions the same. Holding oral arguments via Zoom would have sounded beyond our abilities a few months ago, but now feels almost normal,” Chief Justice Anne M. Burke said. “The court has found that a lot of our regular work – including oral arguments – can be done remotely while still keeping people safe from COVID-19.”

The court is scheduled to hear four cases on May 12, four cases on May 13, and three cases on May 14. Oral arguments will begin at 9 a.m. each day. The call of the docket for the May 2020 term is available on the court’s website.

Court personnel will schedule training sessions with counsel so they can learn what to expect and answer any questions counsel might have related to the virtual proceedings.

The public is invited to attend oral arguments via livestream on the court’s YouTube page.