Christopher T. McGrath

Judge Specific

Trial Video And Equipment

Justice McGrath requires trial videos at least two weeks in advance and requires counsel to bring all laptops, cables, and other equipment because the court provides no electronic support.

If a party intends to use a video at trial, that party shall submit a copy of the video and transcript of same, if applicable, to the Court at least two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled trial date. The Court provides no electronic support.

Justice Christopher T. McGrath IAS Part 22 Rules ↗

Statewide

Recording And Photography

New York statewide rules require permission before photographing, filming, videotaping, audiotaping, broadcasting, or telecasting in court facilities, including courtrooms.

Taking photographs, films or videotapes, or audiotaping, broadcasting or telecasting, in a courthouse including any courtroom, office or hallway thereof, at any time or on any occasion, whether or not the court is in session, is forbidden, unless permission of the Chief Administrator of the Courts or a designee of the Chief Administrator is first obtained

Part 29: Electronic Recording and Audio-Visual Coverage in Court Facilities and of Court Proceedings ↗

Statewide

Evidence Presentation Control

The official Guide to New York Evidence identifies court control over presentation of evidence as a statewide evidence topic; counsel should expect the assigned judge to control the mode and order of proof.

1.07. COURT CONTROL OVER PRESENTATION OF EVIDENCE

Guide to New York Evidence: Article 1, General Provisions and Court's Role ↗

Statewide

Trial Exhibit Books

In New York Supreme Court and County Court civil cases, the court may require indexed trial exhibit binders, notebooks, or electronic equivalents for the court, counsel, and witnesses.

The court may direct that on the first day of trial or at such other time as the court may set, counsel shall submit an indexed binder or notebook, or the electronic equivalent, of trial exhibits for the court's use.

Part 202: Uniform Civil Rules for the Supreme Court and the County Court ↗

Statewide

Exhibit Marking

Civil trial counsel in New York Supreme Court and County Court must confer before trial and attempt to agree on exhibits to be offered without objection, unless the court directs otherwise.

Counsel for the parties shall consult prior to trial and shall in good faith attempt to agree upon the exhibits that will be offered into evidence without objection.

Part 202: Uniform Civil Rules for the Supreme Court and the County Court ↗

Statewide

Virtual Evidence Courtroom

For Commercial Division matters, New York rules encourage Virtual Evidence Courtrooms for managing and presenting trial evidence after authorization by request or court direction.

Virtual Evidence Courtrooms (VECs) may be used to facilitate real-time access to trial exhibits and other relevant documents.

Part 202.70 Commercial Division Rules: Virtual Evidence Courtrooms and Trial Exhibits ↗

Statewide

Electronic Appearances

For New York criminal proceedings, virtual and hybrid appearances are governed by Part 200 consent, objection, public-access, and calendar-update requirements.

For all hybrid proceedings, all electronic appearances shall be projected in the physical courtroom in which the in-person portion of the proceeding is taking place in such a manner as to provide a reasonable opportunity for members of the public to view and hear the participants appearing electronically.

Part 200: Uniform Rules for Courts Exercising Criminal Jurisdiction ↗

Christopher T. McGrath