The Criminal Procedure Rules Committee has voted down a proposed rule that would have “disfavored” the use of remote technology for taking testimony at a hearing or trial.

Proposed Rule 3.116 (Taking Testimony with Communication Technology) stated, in part, that “requests for the use of audio-video communications technology in lieu of live in-person testimony at a hearing or trial is disfavored and reasonable objections to the use of audio-video communications technology shall be resolved in favor of the party opposing such use. ”

“This rule seems to shut down my courtroom right now,” 11th Circuit Judge Richard Hersch told fellow committee members at an October 9 hearing.