Virtual Summary Trial program begins in Queens

A Virtual Summary Trial program will begin this week in Queens Supreme Court. Eagle photo by David Brand

By David Brand

A Virtual Summary Trial program will begin this week in Queens Supreme Court to address mounting tort cases, Chief Judge Janet DiFiore said Monday.

The virtual program will also feature in Bronx and Staten Island, she said.

“While we’re pleased that nearly half of the tort cases referred to virtual ADR have resulted in settlements, for the other half of those cases, the parties will be given the opportunity to consent to a one-day summary bench trial with relaxed rules of evidence, and the lawyers and litigants will be given the option of appearing virtually or in-person,” she said.