Florida Question

[Tonita]

Hello. This question does not fit in any of the existing categories so I'm just throwing it out there to see if someone can answer.
I've been following a case in Florida, POLK country for personal reasons. One time only, I was able to enter a hearing through the virtual court system. And a couple of times I was able to enter the pre trial conference court. I have not been able to enter any court since. I've contacted the clerk's office and they referred me to the judge and her JA said it was up to the judge but it seems like no judges allow it then because I can't enter any of the courts in the district.

They still list virtual courtrooms and instructions on how to enter but I cannot. I only want to observe, not participate in any way. Why do they have the links up and all inquiries presume that public is allowed. My last inquiry to the JA went unanswered so I didn't go any further so as not to appear "stalkish".

I can still get the documents after the fact but I really do want to watch the case via the courtroom.

Anyone have any insight into this.

 

[quincy]

Hello. This question does not fit in any of the existing categories so I'm just throwing it out there to see if someone can answer.
I've been following a case in Florida, POLK country for personal reasons. One time only, I was able to enter a hearing through the virtual court system. And a couple of times I was able to enter the pre trial conference court. I have not been able to enter any court since. I've contacted the clerk's office and they referred me to the judge and her JA said it was up to the judge but it seems like no judges allow it then because I can't enter any of the courts in the district.

They still list virtual courtrooms and instructions on how to enter but I cannot. I only want to observe, not participate in any way. Why do they have the links up and all inquiries presume that public is allowed. My last inquiry to the JA went unanswered so I didn't go any further so as not to appear "stalkish".

I can still get the documents after the fact but I really do want to watch the case via the courtroom.

Anyone have any insight into this.

Not all court hearings are live-streamed but, if the Court is showing that the virtual courtroom is open to visitors, it could be the livestream is experiencing connection problems or traffic congestion.

You will have to get an answer from the Court.

 

[quincy]

For others interested in Florida Court livestreams:

https://courtrooms.flcourts.gov/Virtual-Courtroom-Directory-User-Guide

https://courtrooms.flcourts.gov

 

[Tonita]

Not all court hearings are live-streamed but, if the Court is showing that the virtual courtroom is open to visitors, it could be the livestream is experiencing connection problems or traffic congestion.

You will have to get an answer from the Court.

Thanks. I did ask the court. The judge's assistant. She told me that it was "up to the judge" but that means no judge is allowing it. I was allowed in for one of the hearings and I can randomly enter the pre trial conference court. I don't know why they can't answer why it isn't open to the public anymore. If I was in Florida, I could enter the courtroom.

 

[quincy]

Thanks. I did ask the court. The judge's assistant. She told me that it was "up to the judge" but that means no judge is allowing it. I was allowed in for one of the hearings and I can randomly enter the pre trial conference court. I don't know why they can't answer why it isn't open to the public anymore. If I was in Florida, I could enter the courtroom.

Again, it is the court and court’s staff that control access so you will have to rely on them for answers.

 

[Zigner]

It sounds to me like the judge has the option of allowing or disallowing the viewing of the livestream.
It sounds to me like your question is: Why would the judge not allow viewing of the livestream?

The question is better asked of the judge (or, possibly, the judge's staff). None of us here can get into the mind of the judge(s) in question.

 

[Zigner]

Again, it is the court and court’s staff that control access so you will have to rely on them for answers.

Yeah, that.

 

[quincy]

There are myriad reasons why a courtroom might be open for some hearings in a case and closed for others in the same case.

 

[Tonita]

There are myriad reasons why a courtroom might be open for some hearings in a case and closed for others in the same case.

They don't appear to be open for any cases. I wonder if a freedom of information request would work.

 

[quincy]

They don't appear to be open for any cases. I wonder if a freedom of information request would work.

Well, it’s Sunday.

A freedom of information request will not open up a closed courtroom.

 

[Tonita]

Well, it’s Sunday.

A freedom of information request will not open up a closed courtroom.

I don't think they are "closed" courtrooms. Otherwise, why post the links and instructions on how to get in? And why not post a disclaimer that the courtrooms are closed via virtual links? Or,take down the links altogether?

 

[Just Blue]

I don't think they are "closed" courtrooms. Otherwise, why post the links and instructions on how to get in? And why not post a disclaimer that the courtrooms are closed via virtual links? Or,take down the links altogether?

Court is not open on Sundays. Did you try to access it today?

 

[quincy]

I am sure you don’t expect a livestream of a dark and empty courtroom, right?

Not all courtrooms in Florida will livestream their hearings. The livestreams are an option for a judge. If you want to travel to Florida to watch a hearing in person, however, you generally will be allowed to sit in the courtroom (space permitting).