The Nebraska Supreme Court is set to initiate a new livestream project, allowing remote viewing of the Judicial Nominating Commission hearing scheduled for February 27, 2025. The hearing will take place at 10 a.m. in Courtroom #316 of the Douglas County Courthouse in Omaha, Nebraska. Chief Justice Jeffrey Funke will oversee the proceedings as Commission members interview seven applicants vying for the position of District Judge of the Fourth Judicial District.
The public can access the livestream through this link: https://youtu.be/pd3Pkt7qWLc. However, Chair Chief Justice Funke clarified that public participation via the livestream is not allowed. He also noted that technical issues could potentially disrupt or halt the livestream, though the in-person hearing will proceed without interruption in Courtroom #316.
This pilot project aims to enhance awareness of Judicial Nominating Commission hearings and offer Nebraskans an opportunity to observe these sessions using existing courtroom technology in Nebraska.
The initiative results from collaboration between staff from the Douglas County District Court and IT departments from both Douglas County and the Nebraska Judicial Branch. Additional details about the public hearing are available under "Seven Submit Their Names for District Court Judge Fourth Judicial District; Nebraska Judicial Branch."
According to Nebraska's Constitution, judicial power is divided among several courts: the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, district courts, and county courts. All state courts function under the administrative guidance of the Supreme Court. Besides these constitutionally established courts, Nebraska's judicial system includes separate juvenile courts in Douglas, Lancaster, and Sarpy Counties and a statewide Workers’ Compensation Court.