SASKATOON Court operations have pivoted significantly since the beginning of the pandemic, criminal defence lawyer Chris Lavier says. More appearances are being handled over the phone or video making for a quicker court process. “Things are running like a well-oiled machine,” Lavier said. “Most of the court appearances where testimony isn’t required are all happening via teleconference now. So if it’s in the city, Saskatoon, Regina or Prince Albert they are on teleconference.” Accused people not in custody don’t have to appear in court for a resolution either, he said. The process is running quicker and more efficiently since court services transitioned to pandemic operations, he said.