From April 7, 2020, through Sept. 7, 2021, the Ohio Supreme Court conducted oral argument remotely. This was done mostly through Zoom, but originally the court used a different service. I wrote a post on preparing for remote oral argument at the time.
Apparently, in response to rising Omicron cases, the oral arguments set for Jan. 25 and Jan. 27, 2022, have been moved from the Thomas J. Moyer Judicial Center to video conference. The dates, originally set in November, were revised on Tuesday, Jan. 18.
The Ohio Supreme Court has not yet issued a similar order for the next session of oral arguments on Feb. 8.
Remote oral argument has a different feel and technique, and technology configurations add to the stress of preparation. These cautious times are certainly a reminder that counsel need to remain flexible and ready to meet the expectations of the court.