County program to hold court at mental health hospitals

Clark County courts have launched a new program to bring the courtroom into mental hospitals.

Two hospitals have already been outfitted with a high-definition camera, monitor, hardware and software to hold remote court sessions for patients.

Officials have said mental health cases are well-suited for remote hearings because transporting psychiatric patients to court can be costly and potentially dangerous. They also said the new technology reduces demand on staff.

A 2009 Nevada Supreme Court ruling allowed courts to handle routine matters in civil cases by conference call or video link.