Zoom Meetings - Alaska Court System

Zoom Hearings and Meetings

Preparing for a Hearing by Video or Phone

Note: Click on a question to expand or collapse content.

What equipment do I need to participate in a Zoom hearing or meeting?

PC, Laptop, Phone, or Tablet
An internet connection – broadband wired or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE)
Speakers and a microphone – built-in, USB plug-in, or wireless Bluetooth
A webcam or HD webcam - built-in or USB plug-in
Zoom supported operating system, tablet or mobile device

Zoom instructions for PC, Mac, Android, and iOS

Supported browsers and general tips

Any recommended Zoom settings?

Zoom has a lot of settings, and as the system updates, certain aspects or features may change. Below are a few settings recommended by the court to improve your experience.

To help prevent you from accidentally leaving the meeting:
- General: Ask me to confirm when I leave a meeting: ON
To help prevent poor video performance:
- Video: Enable HD: OFF
To verify your video is displaying correctly:
- Video: Always show video preview dialog when joining a video meeting: ON
To see who else is on the call:
- Video: Always display participant names on their video: ON

Any tips for successful virtual court proceedings?

Important: Any recording of a court proceeding held by video or teleconference, including “screen-shots” or other visual copying of a hearing, is absolutely prohibited.

Mute your phone, and mute all sounds from all other applications (email notifications, chat messaging, etc.).
Avoid using battery power only, plug into a good power source while in a Zoom meeting.
Avoid noisy and echoing locations. Use of a headset will improve audio quality when this is unavoidable.
Avoid distracting real or virtual backgrounds. Choose a solid neutral wall if possible.
Avoid poor camera positioning (if possible). Try to frame yourself so you take up most the screen, at eye level.
Check the lighting. Light from a window behind you might blind the camera, making the image look dark. Light above you in the center of a room might also cast shadows. Ideally, position a lamp, or sit facing a window, where light is directly on your face. Also be aware that your monitor casts light that can make you look blue.
When speaking, remember to look directly at the webcam, not at the screen.
Dress in a soft solid color. If a tie is worn, use a solid tie rather than one with a pattern.
Avoid running any unnecessary applications besides Zoom, to conserve your computer’s processing power and internet connection.
Test your connection and setup with Zoom by testing your connection at https://zoom.us/test
If you are using your phone, turn it sideways

How do I request a remote video hearing?

Fill out and submit the form TF-718 Request for Remote Video Hearing.