Tech Advances in Michigan Courts May Leave Some Behind Plexiglas partitions, arraignments of defendants from their homes and judges moderating virtual hearings have become the norm for courts across Michigan since COVID-19 was discovered in the state just over a year ago. by Oralandar Brand-Williams, The Detroit News / April 7, 2021 Shutterstock/Alexander Supertramp (TNS) — Plexiglas partitions, arraignments of defendants from their homes and judges moderating virtual hearings have become the norm for courts across Michigan since COVID-19 was discovered in the state just over a year ago. Courthouses — once full of defendants, their families, jurors and attorneys — are now empty halls of justice, with most hearings moved online to prevent the spread of the virus that has killed more than 16,000 Michiganians.