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State court closures in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic between March and November, 2020

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Ballotpedia’s coverage of COVID-19 includes how federal, state, and local governments are responding, and how those responses are influencing election rules and operations, political campaigns, the economy, schools, and more.

This page was last updated on November 4, 2020. It no longer receives regular updates, but our email is always open. We encourage you to share updates for this page at editor@ballotpedia.org.

This page covers court closures in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Only state supreme courts, courts that fall within a state's judicial system, and local courts in the 10 largest cities in America by population are included.

In this article, you will find:


Overview of court closures

  • Thirty-four states suspended in-person proceedings statewide
  • Sixteen states suspended in-person proceedings at the local level

The following map provides an overview of state court closures in response to the coronavirus outbreak

The following map provides the expected dates for state courts' lifting restrictions.

The below graphic from National Center for State Courts outlines the top five methods courts are using to combat the spread of coronavirus.

Coronavirus courts infographic.png

Federal responses

  • April 8, 2020: The United States Courts announced that federal judges nationwide may conduct court operations virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic.[1]

Court closures by state

Alabama

  • May 13, 2020: The Alabama Supreme Court announced that restrictions on in-person proceedings would end on May 15, but jury trials were suspended through September 14. The order authorized local courts to set local restrictions through August 15.[2]
  • April 30, 2020: The Alabama Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and suspension of jury trials through May 15. Prior to the order, restrictions were set to expire that day.[3]
  • April 2, 2020: The Alabama Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and suspended jury trials through April 30.[4]
  • March 17, 2020: The Alabama Supreme Court extended their March 14 order, and suspended in-person proceedings through April 20.[5]
  • March 14, 2020: The Alabama Supreme Court ordered that all in-person proceedings be suspended from March 16 through April 16. State and local courts were directed to remain open.[6]

Alaska

  • September 26, 2020: Alaska Supreme Court Chief Justice Joel Bolger issued an order extending a ban on felony jury trials through the end of the year, but allowing for misdemeanor jury trials to resume in November.[7]
  • August 6, 2020: Alaska Supreme Court Chief Justice Joel Bolger extended a ban on most jury trials through November 2.[8]
  • May 29, 2020: The Alaska Supreme Court released statewide coronavirus visitor health precautions which applied to all visitors entering court facilities. Precautions included screening and social distancing measures. The court also extended the suspension of jury trials through September 1.[9]
  • May 11, 2020: The Alaska Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings through June 1. Jury trials were suspended through July 6.[10]
  • April 24, 2020: The Alaska Supreme Court extended restrictions on jury trials and in-person proceedings through May 31.[11]
  • March 24, 2020: The Alaska Supreme Court suspended all trial court proceedings and civil marriage ceremonies through May 1, except priority hearings. The court further ordered that all civil and criminal proceedings be held via telephone or video conference.[12]
  • March 19. 2020: The Alaska Supreme Court suspended all superior and district court proceedings until April 3. [13]
  • March 15, 2020: Alaska Supreme Court Chief Justice Joel Bolger ordered that all new jury trials be suspended effective March 16.[14]

Arizona

  • May 21, 2020: The Arizona Supreme Court extended its suspension of jury trials through June 15. The court also issued Health Screening Protocols for both judicial and court staff and the public. Protocols included daily wellness checks for staff and asking the public to self-screen. The court also ordered presiding judges of the superior court to provide public access to civil and criminal court proceedings via video or phone starting July 1.[15]
  • May 8, 2020: The Arizona Supreme Court ordered courts to begin transitioning to in-person proceedings, beginning June 1. They also issued “Standards for Resumption of On-site Court Operations During a Public Health Emergency,” which outlined a five-phased approach to reopening. Under the order, the court allowed local judges to determine how in-person proceedings should be phased in and conducted in their respective counties.[10]
  • May 1, 2020: Arizona's COVID-19 Continuity of Court Operations During a Public Health Emergency Workgroup released a memo outlining recommendations for best practices to reopening or restarting court operations, such as maintaining health conditions when court operations resume and local transition planning and management.[16]
  • April 6, 2020: The Arizona Supreme Court extended the suspension in-person proceedings and jury trials through May 1.[17]
  • March 18, 2020: The Arizona Supreme Court updated their original order from March 16, 2020, to include that all in-person proceedings in all Arizona courts be avoided to the greatest extent possible until further notice. The court also ordered that new petit juries scheduled between March 18 through April 17 not be empaneled and instead rescheduled.[18]
  • March 16, 2020: The Arizona Supreme Court ordered that, while the courts remain open to the public, all in-person proceedings in Arizona courts would be suspended indefinitely and grand juries scheduled for March 16 through March 31 would be rescheduled.[19]

Arkansas

  • June 11, 2020: The Arkansas Supreme Court announced it would lift the suspension of jury trials on July 1. The order did not mandate in-person proceedings to resume, but only lifts the previous restrictions.[20]
  • May 8, 2020: The Arkansas Supreme Court announced that courts in the state could resume conducting hearings under certain guidelines to slow the spread of coronavirus beginning May 18. Guidelines included limiting gatherings to no more than 10 people and encouraged the use of alternative venues, such as auditoriums, if the courtroom was not sufficient to maintain social distancing. The order also allowed presiding judges to determine if a hearing should be held through video or teleconference or in-person.[10]
  • May 1, 2020: The Arkansas Supreme Court issued two memos, one for circuit courts and one for district courts, that issued guidance as courts return to in-person proceedings and jury trials following the coronavirus pandemic.[21][22]
  • April 24, 2020: An Arkansas Supreme Court task force issued a memo titled, “Preparation of Returning to In-Person Proceedings.” The memo detailed a two-pronged approach put forth by the Department of Health to help minimize the risk of exposure. The first prong called for screening to identify individuals who were symptomatic or who had been in contact with someone who has coronavirus through temperature checks and questionnaires. The second prong called for maintaining social distancing, wearing face masks, and avoiding contact with hard surfaces to protect against exposure from asymptomatic individuals. In-person proceedings and jury trials were suspended in the state through May 15.[23]
  • April 23, 2020: The Supreme Court of Arkansas extended restrictions on in-person proceedings through May 15. Prior to the order, restrictions were set to expire on May 1.[24]
  • April 3, 2020: The Supreme Court of Arkansas suspended summonses for jury duty through June 30.[25]
  • March 17, 2020: The Supreme Court of Arkansas suspended all in-person proceedings in all appellate, circuit, and district courts.[26]

California

  • September 1, 2020: The Superior Court of San Diego announced that jury summons had been mailed out to prospective jurors for the first time since the court closed in March. The summons asks recipients to be at the San Diego courthouse on October 9.[27]
  • August 27, 2020: Superior Court of Lake County Presiding Judge Michael Lunas received approval from California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye to begin holding jury selection at a local fairground in preparation for the resumption of trials.[28]
  • August 11, 2020: Superior Court of Los Angeles County Presiding Judge Kevin Brazile issued an order delaying most trials through the fall. Although some criminal trials that do not require a jury may be able to start in September, Brazile delayed jury trails until January.[29]
  • July 24, 2020: Chief judge Phyllis Hamilton announced that jury trials will not resume in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California until at least September 30. In-person proceedings will be limited to 10 people.[30]
  • July 13, 2020: The Superior Court of California County of Los Angeles announced that jury trials would not resume until August.[31]
  • June 15, 2020: Los Angeles Superior Court Presiding Judge Kevin Brazile issued an order that allows some court operations to resume on June 22. That day, mental health courtrooms, juvenile dependency courtrooms, juvenile delinquency courtrooms, and complex personal and civil injury courtrooms may resume full operations. Probate courtrooms, civil courtroom, except for small claims and collections, and family law can begin phased reopening on June 22. On June 25, the Appellate Division will resume full operations and arguments. Unlawful Detainer courtrooms can resume law and motion and ex-parte applications beginning June 29. The Criminal Division will begin a phased reopening on July 6. Nonessential court business remains closed through July 9.[32]
  • June 3, 2020: California’s Judicial Council’s Pandemic Continuity of Operations Working Group released a pandemic recovery resources guide for courts, which addressed more than 200 questions and topics related to operations such as facilities and jury management.[33]
  • May 12, 2020: California’s Judicial Council created the “Pandemic Continuity of Operations Working Group,” to collect best practices and publish a framework to assist courts in the state to develop plans around the resumption of services interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.[34]
  • March 24, 2020: The California Supreme Court suspended all jury trials for the next 60 days, through May 23. The court stated that trials could be conducted earlier if good cause is shown or through video or teleconference.[12]
  • March 16, 2020: The California Supreme Court suspended all in-person oral arguments.[35]

Colorado

  • August 3, 2020: Jury trials were allowed to resume if authorized by the Chief Judge of that particular judicial district.[36]
  • July 24, 2020: Chief Justice Nathan Coats issued an order allowing jury trials to resume August 3 with the authorization of a judicial district's Chief Judge. The Chief Judge would need to determine that a jury pool could be safely assembled consistent with health directives and executive orders.[37]
  • June 15, 2020: The Colorado Supreme Court extended its suspension of jury trials through August 3.[38]
  • May 5, 2020: The Colorado Supreme Court extended its suspension of jury trials through July 6.[39]
  • April 16, 2020: The Colorado Supreme Court extended its suspension of jury trials through June 1.[40]
  • March 23, 2020: The Colorado Supreme Court extended their March 16 order, postponing jury trials through May 15, 2020.[41]
  • March 16, 2020: Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Coats ordered that all Colorado jury trials be postponed until April.[42]

Connecticut

  • May 13, 2020: Connecticut’s Judicial Branch expanded criminal proceedings that could take place.[43]
  • April 22, 2020: Connecticut’s Judicial Branch announced that people entering a courthouse or facility were required to wear a mask or a cloth face covering, per Gov. Ned Lamont’s April 22 executive order.[44]
  • April 3, 2020: Connecticut's Judicial Branch announced that all of their courthouses would close on April 7. Beginning April 14, all courthouses would remain closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays until further notice.[45]
  • April 1, 2020: The Judicial Branch announced the closure of three courthouses, Stamford, Middletown, and Milford, until further notice. Stamford and Milford's business was transferred to the courthouse in Bridgeport. Middletown's business was transferred to the New Britain courthouse.[46]
  • March 18, 2020: The Judicial Branch announced that it would curtail courthouse operations with reduced staffing, with one courthouse in each of the 13 judicial districts remaining open for priority court business.[47][48]
  • March 12, 2020: Connecticut's Judicial Branch suspended nearly all jury trials for 30 days, but ordered courthouses to remain open. Trials currently in progress and criminal trials under a speedy trial motion were not subject to the suspension.[49]

Delaware

  • October 5, 2020: Delaware courts advanced into a modified Phase 3 of reopening, allowing jury trials to resume. Phase 3 also allowed courts to operate at 75% capacity, and increased the number of people allowed in a courtroom to 50.[50]
  • September 4, 2020: Chief Justice Collins Seitz Jr. extended the judicial emergency through October 5, and announced that the judiciary would move into a modified Phase 3 of reopening on that date. Under the modified Phase 3, the Delaware Supreme Court will permit jury trials to resume and allow courts to increase capacity from 50% to 75%.[51]
  • August 5, 2020: Chief Justice Collins Seitz Jr. said that state courts would remain in Phase 2 of reopening through September 5. Phase 2 prohibited jury trials.[52]
  • July 6, 2020: Chief Justice Collins Seitz Jr. extended the judicial emergency for another 30 days. Delaware courts remain in Phase Two of reopening, with restrictions on court activities, including a ban on jury trials.[53]
  • May 29, 2020: The Delaware Supreme Court issued the Court’s Reopening Committee’s interim report, and plans for the state’s Justice of the Peace Courts for both criminal and civil court locations to help courts in the state plan to resume operations.[9]
  • May 13, 2020: The Delaware Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and suspension of jury trials through June 13. [54]
  • April 30, 2020: The Delaware Supreme Court issued an order requiring the use of face masks for any individual entering court facilities if six feet of separation could not be maintained.[55]
  • April 14, 2020: Delaware Supreme Court Chief Justice Collins Seitz Jr. extended court closures in the state through May 14, except for Delaware’s three Justice of the Peace courts. The three 24-hour courts would remain open to accept bail payments for all courts and Justice of the Peace Court emergency criminal and civil filings.[56]
  • March 23, 2020: Delaware Supreme Court ordered court facilities to be closed to the public until April 15, 2020. Courthouse staffing was reduced for emergency and essential matters.[57]
  • March 15, 2020: Superior Court of Delaware President Judge Jan R. Jurden ordered that all jury trials in Delaware be suspended until April 15.[58]

Florida

  • June 15, 2020: Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Canady issued an order on June 15 which extended the term of the COVID-19 Workgroup through the end of the year. The Workgroup is charged with recommending ways state courts can return to full operation following the coronavirus pandemic.[59]
  • June 8, 2020: Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Canady issued an order extending the suspension of civil and criminal jury trials through July 17. Jury trials were first suspended on March 13. The court subsequently extended that order, first through April 17, then through May 29, and again through July 2.[60]
  • May 21, 2020: The Florida Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and suspension of jury trials through July 2, with the exception of the Remote Civil Jury Pilot Program.[15]
  • May 11, 2020: Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Canady issued a memo to chief judges in both the Florida District Court of Appeals and the state’s Circuit Courts outlining best practices developed by a statewide coronavirus working group, to help courts navigate new remote procedures. Best practices include ensuring technology is sufficient to allow courts to preside over and resolve matters effectively and accounting for ADA requirements and web content accessibility standards.[10]
  • May 4, 2020: The Florida Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and suspension of jury trials through July 2.[61]
  • April 7, 2020: The Florida Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and suspension of jury trials through May 29.[62]
  • March 24, 2020: The Florida Supreme Court extended their March 13 order suspending all face-to-face legal proceedings in the state through April 17.[12]
  • March 13, 2020: The Florida Supreme Court suspended all face-to-face legal proceedings in the state for two weeks, effective March 16.[63]

Georgia

  • October 10, 2020: Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Harold Melton issued an order extending the statewide judicial emergency and allowing jury trials to resume immediately. The judicial emergency was set to expire on November 9.[64]
  • October 5, 2020: Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Harold Melton announced that he would end the suspension of jury trials on October 10.[65]
  • September 10, 2020: Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Harold Melton issued an order extending the state's judicial emergency, which had been set to expire on September 10, through October 10. The order allows the Chief Judge of each superior court to resume grand jury trials as local conditions allow in consultation with the District Attorney. The order also directs counties to develop guidelines for the resumption of jury trials, which could begin in October at the discretion of superior and state courts.[66]
  • August 11, 2020: Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Harold Melton issued an order extending the state's judicial emergency, which had been set to expire on August 11, through September 10. Jury trials and most grand jury proceedings remain prohibited.[67]
  • July 12, 2020: Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Harold Melton issued an order extending the state's judicial emergency, which had been set to expire on July 12, through August 11. Jury trials and most grand jury proceedings remain prohibited.[68]
  • June 12, 2020: Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Harold Melton issued an order which extended the state’s judicial emergency through July 12. Under the order, the court laid out a plan to reimpose deadlines, time schedules, and filing requirements imposed on litigants by statute, rules and regulations beginning July 14. The order also encourages courts to continue using and increasing the use of technology to conduct remote proceedings. The order authorizes courts to use their discretion to hold in-person proceedings, except petit and grand jury proceedings, if they comply with public health guidance. Jury trials and grand jury proceedings are still prohibited.[69]
  • May 12, 2020: The Georgia Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and suspension of jury trials through June 12.[10]
  • May 4, 2020: The Georgia Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and suspension jury trials through June 12. Under the order, courts were encouraged to develop plans for resuming nonessential court operations that could be conducted through video or phone conferencing or by maintaining social distancing measures. The order also urged judges to use technology for conducting remote proceedings as an alternative to in-person. In addition, the order announced the creation of a task force by Chief Justice Harold Melton to assist courts with remote proceedings and to develop reopening plans so that in-court proceedings can resume safely.[70]
  • April 20, 2020: The Georgia Supreme Court held oral arguments via video conferencing. It was the first time in the court’s 175 year history that arguments were held virtually.[71]
  • March 14, 2020: Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Harold Melton ordered all courts in the state to suspend non-essential court functions for 30 days.[72]

Hawaii

  • August 5, 2020: Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald issued an order postponing jury trials through October 2. Previously, the Court had scheduled jury trials to resume September 1.[73]
  • July 28, 2020: Third Circuit Court Judge Robert Kim issued an order that delays all jury trials until at least September 1.[74]
  • June 12, 2020:The Hawaii Judiciary announced that state district courts on Oahu would reopen for court business, including proceedings, business with the Traffic Violations Bureau and the Legal Documents Branch, on June 15. Face masks are required for anyone entering a court facility, and courthouses have put social distancing measures in place. Those who have fever, cough or respiratory symptoms, who have had prolonged contact with anyone diagnosed or suspected of having coronavirus, or who have traveled within a 14-day period will not be permitted to enter court facilities.[75]
  • May 29, 2020: The Hawaii Supreme Court extended its suspension of jury trials through June 30.[9]
  • April 17, 2020: The Hawaii Supreme Court issued an order that extended its suspension of jury trials through May 29 or the expiration of the state of emergency. The order also authorized local chief judges to resume jury trials earlier.[76]
  • March 17, 2020: Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald ordered all in-person proceedings except emergency and time-sensitive matters be rescheduled from March 17 to April 30.[19]
  • March 16, 2020: The Hawaii State Judiciary said that courts would continue to operate as scheduled, but the following individuals would not be allowed to enter judicial facilities: anyone with a cough, fever, or respiratory systems, anyone who has traveled outside Hawaii in the past 14 days, and anyone who has close prolonged contact with someone who has or is suspected of having coronavirus.[77]

Idaho

  • July 27, 2020: The Idaho Supreme Court delayed the resumption of criminal jury trials until September 14 and civil jury trials until December 1.[78]
  • April 22, 2020: The Idaho Supreme Court suspended criminal jury trials through August 3 and civil trials through October 5. The order also established minimum court staffing for courts to operate. Prior to the order, jury trials were suspended through June 1.[79]
  • April 21, 2020: The Idaho Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings through May 1. Prior to the order, restrictions were set to expire April 22.[80]
  • April 14, 2020: The Idaho Supreme Court extended their restrictions on in-person proceedings through April 22 and suspension of jury trials through June 1.[81]
  • March 26, 2020: The Idaho Supreme Court ordered that only emergency hearings and proceedings be conducted, and suspended civil trials, and delayed criminal trials at least 30 days from their original start date.[82]
  • March 24, 2020: The Idaho Supreme Court suspended civil trials indefinitely and criminal trials through April 30.[12]
  • March 13, 2020: Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Burdick ordered that all non-emergency in-person trials and hearings would be suspended from March 16 to April 10.[83]

Illinois

  • July 13, 2020: Rebecca Pallmeyer, the Chief Justice of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, announced that all criminal and civil jury trials set to begin before August 3 in Chicago's federal courts will be rescheduled.[84]
  • May 20, 2020: The Illinois Supreme Court issued an order authorizing courts to return to normal operation starting on June 1. Under the order, chief judges in each judicial circuit may implement plans specific to the county they serve. Local plans should continue to promote the use of video and phone conferencing where appropriate.[85]
  • April 7, 2020: The Illinois Supreme Court extended their April 3 order which allowed circuit court chief judges to suspend trials until further notice from the Supreme Court.[62]
  • April 3, 2020: The Illinois Supreme Court authorized Chief Judges in each circuit court to continue trials until further notice.[25]
  • March 14, 2020: The Illinois Supreme Court announced it would continue to operate and adhere to directives issued by the CDC.[86] For a list of all changes occurring in courts at the local level, click here.

Indiana

  • May 13, 2020: The Indiana Supreme Court released “Guidelines for resuming operations of the trial courts,” a four-phased plan to assist local courts in planning to resume full operation after the coronavirus pandemic. Phase one directives included identifying employees who could continue to work remotely and implementing social distancing and hygiene measures. Phase two would allow for the resumption of non-emergency hearings and operations. Phase three would allow for jury trials to resume. Phase four would allow for normal activity to resume. Trial courts were directed to submit transition plans to the Supreme Court approval by May 30. The court also extended the suspension of jury trials through July 1.[87]
  • March 16, 2020: The Indiana Supreme Court announced that it would continue to operate but limit attendance at oral arguments to the attorneys and parties in the case.[88]

Iowa

  • September 14, 2020: Jury trials resumed in Iowa after several pilot trials received positive feedback from participating jurors and judges.[89]
  • July 13, 2020: Courtrooms reopened to in-person proceedings with restrictions. Social distancing of at least six feet is required, and anyone who talks must be behind a transparent face shield while doing so. Jury trials will not resume until September 14.[90]
  • April 10, 2020: The Iowa Judicial Branch extended restrictions on in-person proceedings through June 1. The court also suspended criminal trials through July 13, and civil trials through August 3.[91]
  • March 14, 2020: The Iowa Supreme Court ordered that all jury trials in the state that did not commence as of March 13 were deferred to at least April 20.[86]

Kansas

  • May 1, 2020: The Kansas Supreme Court issued two administrative orders, one for counties with stay-at-home orders or orders closing court and one for counties without those types of orders, that address court operations following the coronavirus pandemic. For counties with stay-at-home orders, directives included performing essential court operations through video or phone conferencing to the greatest extent possible and allowed chief judges to authorize employees to telework whenever possible. For counties without stay-at-home orders or orders closing courts, directives detailed what was required to resume court operations, which included allowing chief justices to determine how best to distribute personal protective equipment and recommended that hearings be conducted remotely when possible.[92]
  • April 3, 2020: The Kansas Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and suspension of jury trials until further notice, or by order of the Chief Justice.[25]
  • March 18, 2020:: The Kansas Supreme Court ordered that all jury trials are continued, and courts were restricted to “emergency operations.” Emergency operations for the district included first appearances, setting appearance bonds and issuing warrants.[93]
  • March 16, 2020: The Kansas Supreme Court canceled its March docket and ordered chief judges in each judicial district to do the same.[94]

Kentucky

  • August 1, 2020: Criminal jury trials were permitted to resume, so long as the trial judge overseeing the trial determined that conditions were safe enough. Civil jury trials were set to resume October 1.[95]
  • July 28, 2020: Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice John D. Minton, Jr. announced that criminal jury trials could resume August 1 and civil jury trials could resume October 1. According to Justice Minton, trial judges will need to determine if conditions are safe, based on local conditions, before trials will be allowed to proceed.[96]
  • May 19, 2020: The Kentucky Supreme Court extended its suspension of jury trials through August 1. Grand juries were permitted to restart immediately.[97]
  • May 15, 2020: The Kentucky Supreme Court ordered that effective June 1, courts could resume hearing civil and criminal cases remotely using video or phone conferences. If a judge determined that a proceeding should be held in-person, safety and health precautions should be followed.[98]
  • April 24, 2020: The Kentucky Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and suspended jury trials through May 31.[99]
  • April 14, 2020: The Kentucky Supreme Court extended their restrictions on in-person proceedings and suspension of jury trials through May 31.[100]
  • March 27, 2020: The Kentucky Supreme Court extended their original order limiting in-person court proceedings through April 24.[82]
  • March 12, 2020: The Kentucky Supreme Court canceled all in-person appearances in the state from March 16 to April 10. Emergency matters, such as domestic violence hearings and evidentiary hearings in criminal cases, were exempt from the order.[101]

Louisiana

  • May 15, 2020: The Louisiana Supreme Court announced that the restrictions on in-person proceedings were lifted and authorized courts to conduct in-person proceedings on all matters. Jury trials remain suspended through June 30.[98]
  • April 22, 2020: The Louisiana Supreme Court suspended jury trials through June 30. Prior to the order, the suspension of jury trials was set to expire May 4.[102]
  • April 6, 2020: The Louisiana Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and the suspension of jury trials through May 4.[103]
  • March 24, 2020: The Louisiana State Supreme Court instructed all courts to limit access to courtrooms and other spaces to the maximum number of people allowed per guidelines set by the CDC, President Donald Trump, and Gov. John Bel Edwards. They further ordered that all essential court functions be conducted through video or telephone whenever possible.[104]
  • March 16, 2020: The Louisiana Supreme Court ordered that all jury trials in the state be suspended until March 30.[105]

Maine

  • June 11, 2020: The Maine Judicial Branch moved into Phase 2 of reopening on June 15. Under this phase, the court may begin handling more proceedings. Anyone entering the courthouse must wear a mask and sanitize their hands upon entrance and exit. Social distancing measures are expected to be followed, including limiting courtroom gatherings to no more than 10 people, including staff. Phase 2 is in effect through July 2. The Judicial Branch is expected to move into Phase 3 on July 6, which will remain in effect through July 31. Under that phase, grand juries may resume. Phase 4 is expected to begin Aug. 3 and run through Sept. 4. Jury trials may resume in Phase 5, which is expected to begin on Sept. 7.[106]
  • May 5, 2020: The Maine Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings through May 30. Jury trials were suspended through June 30.[39]
  • April 22, 2020: The Maine Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings through May 15 and suspension of jury trials through May 29. Prior to the order, restrictions on in-person proceedings were set to expire May 1.[107]
  • April 14, 2020: The Maine Supreme Court issued an order which extended the suspension of certain in-person proceedings through May 1. Petit and grand jury proceedings are suspended through May 29.[108]
  • March 26, 2020: The Maine Supreme Court has suspended all grand and petit jury proceedings for the months of April and May.[82]
  • March 23, 2020: Maine courts reduced hours of operation to decrease judicial staff and public exposure to coronavirus, while still proceeding with urgent court matters.[109]
  • March 16, 2020: The Maine Supreme Judicial Court ordered that all jury trials in the state be delayed until May 1.[110]

Maryland

Massachusetts

  • October 19, 2020: Trial Court Chief Justice Paula Cary announced that jury trials would begin no earlier than November 9. The first phase of jury trials had been previously scheduled to begin no earlier than October 23.[117]
  • September 17, 2020: The Massachusetts Supreme Court issued an order laying out the details of its three-phase plan to resume jury trials. The first phase is expected to begin no earlier than October 23, and could involve a series of pilot trials at various courts around the state. Phase 2 could begin February, 2021, and involve the empanelment of 12-person juries. Phase 3, which was not given a start date, would allow all Massachusetts courts to conduct jury trials.[118]
  • August 4, 2020: The Jury Management Advisory Committee, assembled by the Massachusetts Supreme Court, released recommendations for resuming jury trials. The Committee recommended a phased resumption of jury trials, with the first phase beginning in mid-August at one location.[119]
  • July 13, 2020: Effective July 13, visitors can enter Massachusetts Courthouses subject to restrictions put in place by the Massachusetts Supreme Court. Everyone over the age of two is required to wear a face covering, and social distancing of at least six feet is mandatory. Everyone entering a courthouse will be required to answer health screening questions and have their temperature taken. Anyone with a temperature of 100 degrees or higher will not be permitted to enter the courthouse.[120]
  • June 24, 2020: The Massachusetts Supreme Court announced that it planned to re-open courthouses to the public beginning July 13.[121]
  • May 26, 2020: The Massachusetts Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings through July 1. Judges will begin hearing non-emergency cases remotely. Jury trials in criminal and civil cases will be delayed until at least September 8. Civil and criminal bench trials are postponed until July 1, unless the trials can be held remotely.[122]
  • April 27, 2020: The Massachusetts Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings though June 1, and suspended jury trials through July 1, effective May 4.[123]
  • April 3, 2020: The Massachusetts Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and suspension of jury trials through May 4.[25]
  • March 17, 2020: State officials announced that all courts would close to the public from March 18 to April 6 and that all civil and criminal jury trials scheduled between March 18 and April 17 would be continued to April 21.[124]
  • March 15, 2020: Courts statewide closed as a result of Gov. Charlie Baker 's (R) limit on gatherings of more than 25 people.[125]

Michigan

  • September 25, 2020: The Michigan Supreme Court released updated guidance for resuming jury trials. As part of its "Return to Full Capacity" plan, the Court has said that each court must submit a reopening plans to its respective State Court Administrative Office for approval before resuming trials. Courts that have not started the plan or are on phase one cannot resume jury trials.[126]
  • June 1, 2020: The Michigan Supreme Court issued guidance to state courts on conducting remote hearings with self-represented litigants.[127]
  • May 6, 2020: The Michigan Supreme Court released their “Return to Full Capacity Guide” and video to assist courts in the development of plans and response cycles that were driven by health data and trends for returning to full capacity on the local level.[128]
  • May 1, 2020: The Michigan Supreme Court issued a Full Capacity Toolkit to help courts in the state plan to return to full operation following the coronavirus pandemic.[92]
  • April 29, 2020: The Michigan Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings until further notice. In a prior April 23 order, the court suspended jury trials through June 22. The court issued an order which authorized courts to collect contact information from any party or witness to a case to facilitate scheduling and participation in remote hearings or to facilitate case processing.[129][130]
  • April 23, 2020: The Michigan Supreme Court extended the suspension of jury trials through June 22. However, their order did not specify if in-person proceedings were included as well.[131]
  • April 10, 2020: The Michigan Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and suspension of jury trials through April 30.[91]
  • April 7, 2020: The Michigan Supreme Court authorized judicial officers to conduct procedures remotely, either in the courtroom or some other location, using technology such as video conferences.[62]
  • March 26, 2020: In a joint statement by Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget McCormack and the Executive Director of the Michigan Sheriff’s Association, judges, law enforcement and prosecutors are encouraged to coordinate the expanded use of appearance citations and summons, when appropriate and legally permissible, rather than custodial arrests and arrest warrants to proactively reduce the risk posed by the coronavirus pandemic.[82]
  • March 16, 2020: The Michigan Supreme Court ordered that as many trials as possible be adjourned through April 3.[132]

Minnesota

  • May 15, 2020: The Minnesota Supreme Court order judges and court staff to implement transitional case strategies approved by the Judicial Council for district court proceedings. Under the order, courts were expected to meet the criteria outlined in the Minnesota Judicial Branch COVID Preparedness Plan, including social distancing measures and face masks for public-facing staff. The court also authorized pilot jury trials to proceed on or after June 1.[98]
  • May 1, 2020: The Minnesota Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings through May 18. Jury trials were suspended until June 1.[92]
  • April 10, 2020: The Minnesota Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and suspension of jury trials through May 4.[91]
  • March 23, 2020: Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie Gildea issued a statewide order, effective March 23, 2020, which restricted in-person access to courthouses through April 22 or until another order was issued. Hearings that needed to occur during the coronavirus pandemic could be held remotely.[133]
  • March 14, 2020: Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie Gildea ordered that proceedings across the state were suspended until March 30. Jury trials already underway and cases deemed high priority were exempt from the order.[134]

Mississippi

  • March 26, 2020: The Mississippi Supreme Court ordered the suspension of a criminal procedure rule that prohibited the use of interactive equipment for probation violation hearings and felony sentencing.[82]
  • March 16, 2020: The Mississippi Supreme Court ordered that individual judges had the discretion to postpone trials on their docket through May 15, 2020.[135]

Missouri

  • May 4, 2020: The Missouri Supreme Court issued “Operational Directives for Easing COVID-19 Restrictions on In-Person Proceedings,” to assist courts in making safe decisions on the local level regarding court operations. Directives included gateway criteria for resuming court activity or entering a new operating phase, such as no confirmed cases in the court facility within a 14 day period. In the operating phase, directives included social distancing measures and the use of face masks by employees and the public.[61]
  • April 1, 2020: The Missouri Supreme Court extended their previous order suspending in-person proceedings through May 1.[136]
  • March 23, 2020: The Missouri Supreme Court issued a new order suspending all in-person proceedings statewide with a few exceptions, through April 17, 2020.[137]
  • March 16, 2020: The Missouri Supreme Court ordered that in-person proceedings across the state be suspended until April.[138]

Montana

  • April 27, 2020: Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike McGrath issued a memo which directed courts to implement practices after May 4, when restrictions on in-person proceedings were expected to be lifted, to limit the spread of coronavirus. Practices included the continued practice of hearing most cases remotely through video or phone conference and social distancing.[139]
  • April 22, 2020: The Montana Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and suspension of jury trials through May 4. Prior to the order, restrictions were set to expire April 30.[140]
  • March 13, 2020: The Montana Supreme Court ordered courts across the state to delay jury trials through April 30 and release high-risk individuals from jury duty.[141]

Nebraska

Nevada

  • As of March 31, 2020, courts across the state remained open. Individual courts were allowed to place restrictions on high-risk individuals entering a courthouse.[143] Courthouses in Carson City and Las Vegas are limiting public access. [144]

New Hampshire

  • August 25, 2020: The state's first jury trial since March began in Cheshire County as part of a pilot. The judicial branch required everyone in the courtroom to wear a mask, and jurors were spread out in the gallery.[145]
  • July 2, 2020: The New Hampshire Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and a suspension of jury trials through July 27, 2020.[146]
  • June 16, 2020: The New Hampshire Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and the suspension of jury trials in the Circuit Court, Superior Court and Supreme Court through July 6.[147]
  • May 21, 2020: The New Hampshire Supreme Court extended restrictions in circuit courts, superior courts, and the Supreme Court on in-person proceedings and suspension of jury trials through June 15.[15]
  • March 27, 2020: The New Hampshire Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings in the Circuit Court, Superior Court, and Supreme Court through May 4.[148][149][150]

New Jersey

  • September 21, 2020: Courts in the state were allowed to start resuming jury trials.[152]
  • July 10, 2020: The New Jersey Supreme Court extended its suspension of new jury trials, in-person grand jury selections, and landlord/tenant trials, through July 26, 2020.[153]
  • June 11, 2020: The New Jersey Supreme Court approved a post-pandemic plan that will allow state courts to move from Phase 1, in which courts remain closed to the public, to Phase 2 beginning June 22. Under that phase, some matters will be able to resume in-person on that day, including five jury trials that began before courthouses were closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Under the plan, many matters will continue to be conducted remotely.[154]
  • June 2, 2020: The New Jersey Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings through June 14.[155]
  • May 14, 2020: The New Jersey Judiciary announced the creation of a new virtual grand jury pilot program. Virtual proceedings were set to occur in Bergen and Mercer counties within two weeks, according to an order signed by New Jersey Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner. The pilot program would be used to determine whether similar remote grand juries will be expanded to other county and state proceedings.[156]
  • April 24, 2020: The New Jersey Supreme Court issued an order that allowed Municipal Courts in the state to resume individual sessions via video or phone only.[157]
  • April 20, 2020: The New Jersey Supreme Court ordered that all court proceedings should continue to be conducted remotely using video or phone as much as possible.[158]
  • March 27, 2020: The New Jersey Supreme Court extended their suspensions of jury trials and other deadlines through April 26. [159]
  • March 24, 2020: The New Jersey Supreme Court issued an order that will suspend or commute county jail sentences for low-risk inmates due to the public health emergency caused by the coronavirus pandemic.[160]
  • March 18, 2020: New Jersey Supreme Court amended their previous March 14, 2020 order, to include that there are to be no in-person Superior Court proceedings, except in "extremely limited emergent matters and certain ongoing trials." Other matters, such as case management conferences, motions, and hearings, should be conducted by phone or video conference.[161]
  • March 14, 2020: New Jersey Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner ordered a two-week suspension for New Jersey's municipal courts, effective March 16.[162]

New Mexico

  • May 29, 2020: The New Mexico Supreme Court announced that civil and jury trials could recommence between June 15 and July 15.[9]
  • May 15, 2020: The New Mexico Supreme Court issued an order that requires the use of face masks in courts.[98]
  • April 16, 2020: The New Mexico Supreme Court extended the suspension of jury trials through May 29. In their order, the court announced that they would limit the number of people to no more than 15 in courtrooms and other locations in the courthouse to promote social distancing. They further ordered judges to conduct civil and criminal proceedings remotely via video or phone conferences, except in cases where an emergency appearance was required.[163]
  • March 24, 2020: The New Mexico Supreme Court ordered all judges to conduct civil and criminal proceedings by video and teleconference, except in cases where an emergency in-person appearance is required.[164]
  • March 15, 2020: New Mexico Supreme Court Chief Justice Judith Nakamura said that the state's judicial system would remain open.[165]

New York

  • September 9, 2020: A limited number of jury trials were slated to begin in certain parts of the state Wednesday, September 9, as part of a pilot program. Administrative and supervising judges will release daily reports on how the jury trials are going.[166]
  • July 13, 2020: Janet DiFiore, the chief judge of the Court of Appeals in New York, announced that grand juries proceedings could resume in all judicial district except New York City. Grand jury proceedings are set to resume on August 10 in New York City.[167]
  • June 11, 2020: The New York Unified Court System announced that courts outside of New York City could move into Phase 2 of reopening on June 12. Under this phase, essential family matters can be conducted in-person. Nonessential proceedings, mediation and alternative dispute matters, and “criminal, juvenile delinquency and mental hygiene law proceedings pertaining to a hospitalized adult” will continue to be held virtually. Face masks and face coverings are required. Other safety measures include social distancing and the regular sanitation of court facilities.[168]
  • April 21, 2020: Chief Judge Colleen McMahon for the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York suspended jury trials indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic.[169]
  • April 13, 2020: New York Unified Court System expanded the use of virtual courts beyond essential and emergency matters, which allowed the court to hear pending matters. New "non-essential" fillings were prohibited."[170]
  • March 23, 2020: New York's Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence K. Marks signed an order restricting non-essential filings.[171]
  • March 15, 2020: New York's judicial system postponed all nonessential services, effective March 16.[172]

North Carolina

  • October 15, 2020: Chief Justice Cheri Beasley issued an order extending and modifying emergency directives issued in response to the coronavirus and announced that jury trials can resume in some districts with approved Jury Trial Resumption Plans.[173]
  • September 15, 2020: Chief Justice Cheri Beasley issued an order extending and modifying emergency directives issued in response to the coronavirus for the next 30 days. The directives include a ban on jury trials, among other restrictions on in-person proceedings.[174]
  • August 24, 2020: Chief Justice Cheri Beasley issued an order extending and modifying some directives related to the coronavirus. The directives waived most notary requirements and allowed most court proceedings to occur remotely. Additionally, Emergency Directive 22 requires senior resident superior court judges to submit plans for the resumption of jury trials by September 30.[175]
  • August 15, 2020: Chief Justice Cheri Beasley once again extended the emergency directives that included the suspension of jury trials for an additional 30 days.[176]
  • July 20, 2020: Chief Justice Cheri Beasley extended emergency directives that included the suspension of jury trials. Jury trials were postponed 30 days.[177]
  • May 21, 2020: The North Carolina Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and suspension of jury trials through June 20.[15]
  • April 3, 2020: The North Carolina Supreme Court extended restrictions on in person proceedings and suspension of jury trials through June 1.[25]
  • March 13, 2020: North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley ordered that criminal and civil proceedings across the state be delayed for 30 days, effective March 16.[178]

North Dakota

Ohio

  • May 19, 2020: The Ohio Jury Trial Advisory Group issued a report and recommendations titled, “Standards and Practices Essential to the Resumption of Jury Trials in Ohio.” The recommendations, prepared for Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor, outlined how the court might safely resume jury trials following the coronavirus pandemic, including social distancing during voir dire, and sanitization of courthouse facilities.[97]
  • May 8, 2020: The Ohio Supreme Court issued “Responsible RestartOhio Court Access Plan,” which provided guidelines for the operation of Ohio’s judicial system. The plan included providing daily health assessments of employees and establishing a process for the sanitation and cleaning of court facilities.[10]
  • March 17. 2020: State courts in Ohio were open and adhering to CDC recommendations.[181] Numerous localities have suspended or delayed trials.[182]

Oklahoma

Oregon

  • July 1, 2020: Jury trials in all civil and criminal cases were permitted to resume in counties where at least 50 people can gather in one spot.[184]
  • June 1, 2020: Bench trials were permitted to resume counties in Phase One of Oregon's reopening plan.[185]
  • May 15, 2020: Oregon Supreme Court Chief Justice Martha Walters ordered that bench trials could restart on June 1, and jury trials could resume on July 1.[98]
  • March 27, 2020:The Oregon Supreme Court extended their previous order and suspended non-essential in-person proceedings and most jury trials through June 1.[159]
  • March 12, 2020: Oregon Supreme Court Chief Justice Martha Walters ordered most jury trials and hearings across the state be postponed until at least March 27.[186]

Pennsylvania

  • June 1, 2020: The statewide judicial emergency ended June 1.[187]
  • April 28, 2020: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued an order that allowed courts to be generally open beginning May 4. The order also extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and suspension of jury trials through June 1.[188]
  • April 1, 2020: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court extended its original order closing all Pennsylvania courts to the public through April 30.[189]
  • March 18, 2020: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ordered all Pennsylvania courts to close to the public, from March 20 through at least April 3.[190]
  • March 16, 2020: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court declared a judicial state of emergency. Court closures were to be considered on a local basis.[191] For county-specific information, click here.

Rhode Island

  • June 10, 2020: The Rhode Island Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and the suspension of jury trials through September 7.[192]
  • May 15, 2020: The Rhode Island Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings through June 1. Jury trials were suspended through August 1.[98]
  • May 11, 2020: The Rhode Island Supreme Court announced that the court would hear cases remotely via video conference for the first time in the court’s 273 year history.[193]
  • April 8, 2020: The state judiciary closed courts to non-emergency matters through May 17.[194]
  • March 13, 2020: The state judiciary announced that sessions in all courts would be canceled the week of March 16.[195]

South Carolina

South Dakota

  • March 13, 2020: The South Dakota Supreme Court declared a state of judicial emergency and instructed each of the state's judicial circuits to submit proposed changes to the court.[199]

Tennessee

  • May 27, 2020: The Tennessee Supreme Court extended the suspension of jury trials through July 3.[200]
  • April 24, 2020: The Tennessee Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings through May 31 and suspension of jury trials through June 3.[201]
  • March 25, 2020: Tennessee Supreme Court extended their original March 14 order through April 30. They further ordered local presiding judges to develop a written plan to address issues regarding the incarceration of nonviolent offenders to reduce the jail population by March 30.[115]
  • March 14, 2020: Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Sharon Lee ordered in-person hearings to be suspended through March 31.[202]

Texas

  • August 6, 2020: The Supreme Court of Texas extended the prohibition on jury trials through October 1.[203]
  • June 29, 2020: The Supreme Court of Texas extended the prohibition on jury trials through September 1. The Southern District of Texas courthouse and the federal courthouse in Galveston County closed on Friday, June 26 through July 10. The Laredo Division of the Southern District of Texas extended an order that closed the courthouse to the public through August 3.[204]
  • May 26, 2020: The Supreme Court of Texas issued an order continuing the suspension of most jury trials until August 1. To evaluate best practices for keeping participants and court staff safe, the Court is allowing a select number of in-person or remote jury trials to occur over the summer, so long as precautions are taken. Trial courts that conduct jury proceedings must submit a report to the Court with observations and recommendations for future jury proceedings.[205]
  • April 27, 2020: The Texas Supreme Court issued an order allowing local courts to take steps to limit the spread of coronavirus through June 1. Prior to the order, local courts were permitted to take steps through May 8.[206]
  • March 16, 2020: The Texas Supreme Court postponed the four oral arguments remaining for its term.[207]
  • March 13, 2020: The Texas Criminal Appeals Court authorized local judges to take steps to modify court operations due to the coronavirus pandemic through May 8.[208]


Utah

  • May 11, 2020: The Utah Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and suspension of jury trials until further notice. The court further directed that all hearings, with an exception for urgent matters, should be conducted “on the papers”, per the order, or remotely.[10]
  • March 13, 2020: Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice Matthew Durrant ordered judges across the state to make plans to cancel nonessential court hearings.[209]

Vermont

  • August 20, 2020: The Vermont Supreme Court extended the judicial emergency through January 1. The Court first instituted the judicial emergency in March. The emergency prohibits jury trials and requires most proceedings to happen remotely.[210]
  • June 1, 2020: Beginning June 1, courts in Vermont expanded operations to allow for more remote hearings and some in-person hearings. Visitors to courthouses will need to wear masks and answer health-related screening questions before coming inside. Jury trials remain on hold until September.[211]
  • May 13, 2020: The Vermont Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings through June 1. Criminal jury trials were suspended through September 1, and civil jury trials were suspended through January 1, 2020.[212]
  • April 23, 2020: The Vermont Supreme Court ordered that anyone entering Judiciary buildings had to wear cloth face masks that cover the nose and mouth. The order applied to staff, participants, lawyers, members of the media and members of the public.[213]
  • April 9, 2020: The Vermont Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and suspension of jury trials through May 31.[214]
  • April 7, 2020: The Vermont Supreme Court extended their suspension of jury trials through May 15.[62]
  • March 25, 2020: The Vermont Supreme Court extended restrictions for public access to court proceedings through April 15.[115]
  • March 17, 2020: The Vermont Supreme Court declared a state of judicial emergency and suspended all nonessential court hearings until at least April 5.[215]

Virginia

  • September 28, 2020: The Virginia Supreme Court issued an order extending the statewide judicial emergency through October 11. The order continues requirements like face coverings in courthouses. Courts are still encouraged to conduct as much businesses as possible remotely, and jury trials remain prohibited in all but 10 jurisdictions.[216]
  • June 1, 2020: The Virginia Supreme Court issued an order, effective June 8, that extended the judicial emergency in the state through June 28. The order also requires everyone entering court facilities to wear masks or face coverings.[127]
  • May 7, 2020: The Virginia Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings through May 18. Jury trials are suspended until further notice.[217]
  • April 22, 2020: The Virginia Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and suspension of jury trials through May 17. Prior to the order, restrictions were set to expire April 26.[218]
  • March 27, 2020: The Virginia Supreme Court extended their original order suspending all nonessential and non-emergency court proceedings through April 26.[219]
  • March 16, 2020: The Virginia Supreme Court declared a state of judicial emergency and suspended all nonessential and non-emergency court proceedings until April 6.[220]

Washington

  • April 29, 2020: The Washington Supreme Court extended their restrictions on in-person proceedings and suspension of jury trials through July 6.[221]
  • April 14, 2020: The Washington Supreme Court extended their restrictions on in-person proceedings and suspension of jury trials through May 4.[222]
  • March 18, 2020: The Washington Supreme Court suspended all criminal and civil jury trials until after April 24, 2020. It further ordered custody criminal matters be continued to April 24, and stated that emergency matters needing to be heard before April 24 must be done by telephone, video or other means that are not in-person, unless impossible.[223]
  • March 13, 2020: Judges in King and Snohomish counties ordered all jury trials be suspended until April 24.[224]

West Virginia

  • June 3, 2020: The West Virginia Supreme Court released coronavirus guidance for the public. The guidance includes required masks or face-covering for anyone entering judicial work areas and social distancing measures.[127]
  • May 6, 2020: The West Virginia Supreme Court issued an order and protocols regarding the resumption of operations. Under the order, in-person proceedings could resume on or after May 18. Grand jury proceedings could resume on or after June 15, and petit jury trials could commence on or after June 29. Protocols included the continued use of remote proceedings via video or teleconference where appropriate and required judicial offices and court spaces to be thoroughly disinfected prior to resuming operations.[225]
  • April 22, 2020: The West Virginia Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and suspension of jury trials through May 15. Prior to the order, restrictions were set to expire May 1.[226]
  • April 3, 2020: The West Virginia Supreme Court extended their March 23 order, and suspended all in-person proceedings, with a few exceptions, and jury trials through May 1, 2020.[227]
  • March 23, 2020: The West Virginia Supreme Court declared a judicial emergency and suspended all in-person proceedings, with a few exceptions, and jury trials through April 10, 2020.[228]
  • March 12, 2020: The West Virginia Supreme Court ordered that courts postpone nonessential proceedings and use technology to minimize in-person contact.[229]

Wisconsin

  • October 1, 2020: The Wisconsin Supreme Court issued an order that reimposes a prohibition on in-person proceedings whenever a circuit or municipal court reverses any part of its operational plan in response to the coronavirus. Circuit and municipal courts were previously permitted to reopen so long as the plan was approved by the chief judge in each administrative district.[230]
  • May 22, 2020: The Wisconsin Supreme Court issued an order that allows municipal and circuit courts to reopen on a county-by-county basis. To reopen, courts must submit a plan to protect participants and observers before they can resume in-person hearings and jury trials, and the chief judge must approve the plan of each judicial, administrative district. Each plan must require face coverings in courtrooms, frequent cleaning, and signs pointing the way to hand sanitizer.[231]
  • May 18, 2020: The Wisconsin Courts COVID-19 Task Force released its final report, which includes a framework for counties and circuit courts to work together to reopen court facilities and return to in-person proceedings.[98]
  • March 23, 2020: The Wisconsin Supreme Court suspended jury trials and halted in-person proceedings in favor of phone and video conferences through May 22.[232]
  • March 11, 2020: The Wisconsin Court System announced that counties and circuit courts could implement changes in response to coronavirus.[233] For a list of local changes, click here.

Wyoming

  • August 3, 2020: Jury trials were allowed to resume on a limited basis. Chief Justice Michael K. Davis issued an order on July 24 that extended the judicial emergency through October 5 while loosening some restrictions. The Court encouraged the use of video for most hearings until at least October 5.[234]
  • June 12, 2020: The Wyoming Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and the suspension of jury trials through August 3.[235]
  • May 15, 2020: The Wyoming Supreme Court extended its suspension of jury trials through August 3. Judges were encouraged to use phone and video conferences for hearings. The Supreme Court also issued Court COVID-10 Reopening Guidelines for Court and Employees and Public Proceedings and COVID-19 Operating Plan Template to help courts prepare to resume normal operations.[98]
  • April 1, 2020: The Wyoming Supreme Court extended their previous orders suspending in-person and jury trials through May 31.
  • March 18, 2020: Effective as of Monday, March 23, the Wyoming Supreme Court suspended in-person proceedings through at least April 10, except in certain specified instances. The court encouraged judges to use video or telephone when possible, and to reschedule civil trials and criminal trials “subject to the requirement that defendants be provided speedy trials as required by law.”[236]


General resources

The chart below shows coronavirus statistics from countries across the world. The information is provided by Real Clear Politics.

Click the links below to explore official resources related to the coronavirus outbreak.


See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑ United States Courts, "Courts Deliver Justice Virtually Amid Coronavirus Outbreak," April 8, 2020
  2. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," May 14, 2020
  3. ↑ [https://www.alacourt.gov/docs/Administrative%20Order%20No.%206.pdf In The Supreme Court of Alabama, "Administrative Order 6: Extending Orders and Deadlines Concerning the Suspension of Jury Trials and In-Person Proceedings," April 30, 2020}
  4. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," April 14, 2020
  5. ↑ In the Supreme Court of Alabama "ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 3 PERTAINING TO THE BRIEFING AND FILING DEADLINES IN THE APPELLATE COURTS," March 17, 2020
  6. ↑ Alabama News Network, "Alabama Courts: All In-Person Court Proceedings Suspended for 30 Days," March 14, 2020
  7. ↑ Seattle Times, "Alaska top court says some jury trials to resume in November," September 26, 2020
  8. ↑ KDLL, "In-person jury trial postponement extended to Nov. 2," August 7, 2020
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," June 1, 2020
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," May 12, 2020 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "May11" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "May11" defined multiple times with different content
  11. ↑ IN THE TRIAL COURTS FOR THE STATE OF ALASKA, "AMENDED' SECOND UPDATED PRESIDING JUDGES' STATEWIDE ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER GOVERNING RELAXATION AND SUSPENSION OF VARIOUS COURT RULES BASED ON THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC," April 24, 2020
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," March 25, 2020
  13. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts - March 20 Round-Up," March 20, 2020
  14. ↑ KTOO, "Alaska courts suspend Anchorage trials next week because of coronavirus," March 13, 2020
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," May 22, 2020
  16. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "COVID-19 Continuity of Court Operations During a Public Health Emergency Workgroup, "May 1, 2020
  17. ↑ In the Supreme Court of Arizona, "Authorizing the Limitations of Court Operations During A Public Health Emergency," April 6, 2020
  18. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus & The Courts," accessed March 19, 2020
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus & The Courts," accessed March 18, 2020
  20. ↑ Supreme Court of Arkansas, "IN RE RESPONSE TO THE COVID19 PANDEMIC," June 11, 2020
  21. ↑ Supreme Court of Arkansas, "RE: Assessing facilities for jury trials," May 1, 2020
  22. ↑ Supreme Court of Arkansas, "District Courts-Preparations for Returning to In-Person Proceedings," May 1, 2020
  23. ↑ Supreme Court of Arkansas, "Re: Preparation for Returning to In-Person Proceedings," April 24, 2020
  24. ↑ SUPREME COURT OF ARKANSAS, "IN RE RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC," April 23, 2020
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 25.4 25.5 National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts - April 6, 2020," April 6, 2020
  26. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "NCSC Coronavirus and the Courts," March 18, 2020
  27. ↑ Patch, "Jury Trials To Resume In October In San Diego County," September 1, 2020
  28. ↑ Lake County News, "Lake County Superior Court prepares to resume trials; jury selection to be held at fairgrounds," August 27, 2020
  29. ↑ CBSN Los Angeles, "LA County Court Order Delays Non-Jury Trials Into Fall; Civil Jury Trials Postponed Until Next Year," August 11, 2020
  30. ↑ ABA Journal, "California federal court joins others in delaying jury trials amid rise in COVID-19 cases," July 24, 2020
  31. ↑ Reuters, "Los Angeles, Chicago courts further delay jury trials as pandemic drags on," July 13, 2020
  32. ↑ Metropolitan News-Enterprise, "General Reopening of Courtrooms Won’t Take Place June 22," June 15, 2020
  33. ↑ California's Judicial Branch, "Council Working Group Releases Pandemic Recovery Resource Guide for Courts," June 3, 2020
  34. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," May 13, 2020
  35. ↑ California Supreme Court, "ORDER SUSPENDING IN-PERSON ORAL ARGUMENT AND SETTING ALL ARGUMENT SESSIONS AT THE COURT'S SAN FRANCISCO HEADQUARTERS," accessed March 17, 2020
  36. ↑ Supreme Court of Colorado, "Updated Order Regarding COVID-19 and Operation of Colorado State Courts," July 24, 2020
  37. ↑ Supreme Court of Colorado, "Updated Order Regarding COVID-19 and Operation of Colorado State Courts," July 24, 2020
  38. ↑ Supreme Court of Colorado, "Updated Order Regarding COVID-19 and Operation of Colorado State Courts," June 15, 2020
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," May 6, 2020
  40. ↑ Supreme Court of Colorado, "Order Regarding COVID-19 and Operation of Colorado State Courts," April 16, 2020
  41. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," March 23, 2020
  42. ↑ The Denver Post, "Most Colorado jury trials postponed until April; some courts closed until Wednesday," March 16, 2020
  43. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," May 14, 2020
  44. ↑ State of Connecticut Judicial Branch, "COVID-19 INFORMATION FROM THE CONNECTICUT JUDICIAL BRANCH," April 22, 2020
  45. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts - April 6, 2020," April 6, 2020
  46. ↑ The Hartford Courant, "Connecticut closes three more courthouses in response to coronavirus concerns," April 1, 2020
  47. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "NCSC Coronavirus and the Courts," March 18, 2020
  48. ↑ Hartford Courant, "Connecticut to close some courthouses to limit employee, visitor exposure to coronavirus," March 18, 2020
  49. ↑ Connecticut Mirror, "Connecticut courts restrict business, suspend jury trials for next 30 days," March 12, 2020
  50. ↑ Fox 29, "Jury trials to resume Monday in Delaware," October 4, 2020
  51. ↑ Delaware State News, "Judicial emergency extended; jury trials to restart Oct. 5," September 4, 2020
  52. ↑ Delaware Business Times, "Delaware courts extend Phase 2 to Sept. 5," August 6, 2020
  53. ↑ WMDT, "Del. judiciary extends emergency, courts remain in Phase 2 of reopening," July 6, 2020
  54. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," May 14, 2020
  55. ↑ IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, "USE OF FACE MASKS/COVERINGS IN COURT FACILITIES," April 30, 2020
  56. ↑ Delaware State News, "Delaware Chief Justice extends court closures until May 14," April 14, 2020
  57. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," March 23, 2020
  58. ↑ U.S. News & World Report, "Delaware Suspends All Jury Trials Amid Coronavirus Fears," March 15, 2020
  59. ↑ Florida Supreme Court, "Florida Chief Justice issues order extending term of COVID-19 Workgroup helping guide state courts through pandemic," June 15, 2020
  60. ↑ WJCT, "Suspension Of Florida Jury Trials During COVID-19 Extended," June 9, 2020
  61. ↑ 61.0 61.1 National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," May 5, 2020
  62. ↑ 62.0 62.1 62.2 62.3 National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts - April 8, 2020," April 8, 2020
  63. ↑ WCTV, "Florida courts to suspend face-to-face proceedings for two weeks due to coronavirus," March 13, 2020
  64. ↑ Savannah Now, "Georgia chief justice extends statewide judicial emergency, but allows resumption of jury trials," October 10, 2020
  65. ↑ Law 360, "Georgia To Lift Jury Trial Suspension On Saturday," October 5, 2020
  66. ↑ Supreme Court of Georgia, "SIXTH ORDER EXTENDING DECLARATION OF STATEWIDE JUDICIAL EMERGENCY," September 10, 2020
  67. ↑ Savannah Now, "Georgia’s top judge extends court emergency, but says jury trials must resume soon," August 11, 2020
  68. ↑ WTOC, "Ga. judicial emergency order extended another month," July 10, 2020
  69. ↑ Law.com, "Judicial Emergency Extended 30 Days as Courthouses Prepare to Resume Most Operations," June 12, 2020
  70. ↑ Supreme Court of Georgia, "CHIEF JUSTICE WILL EXTEND STATEWIDE JUDICIAL EMERGENCY," May 4, 2020
  71. ↑ Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "Georgia Supreme Court holds first ‘virtual’ court session," April 20, 2020
  72. ↑ The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "Georgia’s chief justice declares ‘statewide judicial emergency,’" March 14, 2020
  73. ↑ Big Island Now, "Judiciary Postpones Jury Trials Another Month as COVID-19 Cases Surge," August 8, 2020
  74. ↑ Hawaii Tribune, "Courts: No jury trials until Sept. 1," July 30, 2020
  75. ↑ Star Advertiser, "Hawaii district courts reopening Monday with limited access," June 12, 2020
  76. ↑ IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF HAWAI‘I, "In the Matter of the Judiciary’s Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak," April 17, 2020
  77. ↑ Hawaii News Now, "Jury duty coming up? Hawaii's courts issue precautions in the wake of coronavirus outbreak," March 16, 2020
  78. ↑ Idaho Press, "daho Supreme Court pushes back trials further, allows older people to opt out of jury duty," July 27, 2020
  79. ↑ In the Supreme Court of the State of Idaho, "In RE: Emergency Reduction in Court Services and Limitation of Access to Court Facilities," April 22, 2020
  80. ↑ In the Supreme Court of the State of Idaho, "In RE: Extension of Emergency Reduction in Court Services and Limitation of Access to Court Facilities," April 21, 2020
  81. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," April 15, 2020
  82. ↑ 82.0 82.1 82.2 82.3 82.4 National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts - March 27," March 27, 2020
  83. ↑ Idaho Supreme Court, "IN RE; IDAHO SUPREME COURT RESPONSE TO COVID-19 EMERGENCY," accessed March 17, 2020
  84. ↑ Reuters, "Los Angeles, Chicago courts further delay jury trials as pandemic drags on," July 13, 2020
  85. ↑ In the Supreme Court of Illinois, "M.R. 30370," May 19, 2020
  86. ↑ 86.0 86.1 KWQC, "Iowa, Illinois courts taking precautions amid coronavirus concerns," March 14, 2020
  87. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," May 14, 2020
  88. ↑ WBIW, "Indiana Judicial Branch Continues to Respond to COVID-19," March 16, 2020
  89. ↑ KIWA Radio, "Jury Trials Resume Across Iowa," September 14, 2020
  90. ↑ WHO, "Iowa Resuming Face-to-Face Court Proceedings Monday, Jury Trials Delayed," July 13, 2020
  91. ↑ 91.0 91.1 91.2 National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts- April 13, 2020," April 13, 2020
  92. ↑ 92.0 92.1 92.2 National Center for State Court, "Coronavirus and the Courts," May 4, 2020
  93. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus & The Courts," accessed March 19, 2020
  94. ↑ KSN, "Kansas Supreme Court restricts Judicial Center access, cancels March docket," March 16, 2020
  95. ↑ Courier Journal, "Jury trials and evictions are back, Kentucky Supreme Court says in new COVID-19 order," July 28, 2020
  96. ↑ Courier Journal, "Jury trials and evictions are back, Kentucky Supreme Court says in new COVID-19 order," July 28, 2020
  97. ↑ 97.0 97.1 National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," May 20, 2020
  98. ↑ 98.0 98.1 98.2 98.3 98.4 98.5 98.6 98.7 National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," May 18, 2020
  99. ↑ Supreme Court of Kentucky, "Amended Order IN RE: KENTUCKY COURT OF JUSTICE RESPONSE TO COVID-19 EMERGENCY," April 24, 2020
  100. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirsus and the Courts," April 15, 2020
  101. ↑ Cincinnati Enquirer, "Kentucky courts close 'with the exception of emergency matters' amid COVID-19 concerns," March 12, 2020
  102. ↑ Supreme Court of Louisiana, "Order," April 22, 2020
  103. ↑ Supreme Court of Louisiana, "Order," April 6, 2020
  104. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts - March 24, 2020," March 24, 2020
  105. ↑ KALB, "Louisiana Supreme Court issues order for Louisiana courts," March 16, 2020
  106. ↑ The Ellsworth American, "Courts prepare for phase 2 reopening," June 11, 2020
  107. ↑ STATE OF MAINE JUDICIAL BRANCH, "Revised Emergency Order and Notice from the Maine Supreme Judicial Court," April 22, 2020
  108. ↑ State of Maine Judicial Branch, "Revised Emergency Order and Notice from the Maine Supreme Judicial Court," April 14, 2020
  109. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," March 23, 2020
  110. ↑ Central Maine, "Trials at Maine courts delayed until May; DA urges fewer arrests," March 16, 2020
  111. ↑ CBS Baltimore, "Reopening Maryland: Circuit And District Courts Resuming For All Non-Jury Trials Beginning August 31," August 31, 2020
  112. ↑ Maryland Courts, "Coronavirus Phased Reopening Plan," accessed June 30, 2020
  113. ↑ WTOP News, "Maryland courts set tentative reopening as lawyers prep for surge in backlogged cases," May 7, 2020
  114. ↑ Baltimore Sun, "Maryland Chief Judge Barbera encourages release of at-risk prisoners amid coronavirus pandemic," April 14, 2020
  115. ↑ 115.0 115.1 115.2 National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," March 26, 2020
  116. ↑ Salisbury Daily Times, "Have a court date, jury duty? Not so fast. Maryland closes courts in coronavirus concern," March 15, 2020
  117. ↑ NBC Boston, "Mass. Delays Resumption of Jury Trials Amid Rise in COVID Cases," October 19, 2020
  118. ↑ JDSupra, "COVID-19: Resuming Jury Trials in Massachusetts," September 24, 2020
  119. ↑ Boston Herald, "New coronavirus recommendations for jury trials during pandemic," August 4, 2020
  120. ↑ Mass.gov, "Supreme Judicial Court Second order regarding public access to state courthouses & court facilities," accessed July 14, 2020
  121. ↑ Beveridge & Diamond, "COVID-19 Impacts in Massachusetts: State Courts to Begin Reopening on July 13; Tolling Ends June 30," June 26, 2020
  122. ↑ Mass Live, "Massachusetts courthouses to continue virtual hearings until at least July 1; emergency matters can be handled in-person," May 26, 2020
  123. ↑ Commonwealth of Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, 'In Re: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic," April 27, 2020
  124. ↑ WWLP, "Massachusetts pausing court appearances through April 6," March 17, 2020
  125. ↑ NBC Boston, "Massachusetts Trial Courts Close in Response to Coronavirus," March 16, 2020
  126. ↑ Detroit Free Press, "Michigan Supreme Court outlines the return to jury trials," September 29, 2020
  127. ↑ 127.0 127.1 127.2 National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts, June 4, 2020
  128. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," May 6, 2020
  129. ↑ Michigan Supreme Court, "Administrative Order No. 2020-12," accessed April 29, 2020
  130. ↑ Michigan Supreme Court, "Administrative Order No. 2020-13," April 29, 2020
  131. ↑ Michigan Supreme Court, "Administrative Order No. 2020-10, Delay of Jury Trials," April 23, 2020
  132. ↑ MLive, "Michigan courts urged to adjourn trials, take other emergency measures because of coronavirus," March 16, 2020
  133. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," March 23, 2020
  134. ↑ Twin Cities Pioneer Press, "MN courts suspend proceedings except for high priority cases or trials underway," March 14, 2020
  135. ↑ WJTV, "Mississippi Supreme Court sets certain emergency actions due to coronavirus," March 16, 2020
  136. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts - April 1," April 1, 2020
  137. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," March 23, 2020
  138. ↑ The Missouri Time, "Missouri Supreme Court suspends in-person proceedings in appellate, circuit courts over coronavirus," March 16, 2020
  139. ↑ Montana Supreme Court, "Memorandum," April 27, 2020
  140. ↑ Montana Supreme Court, "Memo from Chief Justice Mike McGrath," April 22, 2020
  141. ↑ Montana Free Press, "Montana Supreme Court urges trial delays as anti-coronavirus measure," March 13, 2020
  142. ↑ Omaha World-Herald, "Wheels of justice grind on in Nebraska as coronavirus generates common and constitutional concerns," March 13, 2020
  143. ↑ 8 News Now, "Nevada courts amend procedures during COVID-19 outbreak," March 13, 2020
  144. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus & The Courts," accessed March 19, 2020
  145. ↑ New Hampshire Public Radio, "Coronavirus Update: State Says Ventilation Study at Nursing Homes With Outbreaks Shows No Pattern," August 25, 2020
  146. ↑ [https://www.courts.state.nh.us/press/2020/Covid19-July2.htm Judicial Branch, State of New Hampshire, "Supreme Court Extends Emergency Orders Limiting In-Person Court Proceedings through July 27," July 2, 2020]
  147. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," June 18, 2020
  148. ↑ New Hampshire Judicial Branch, "RENEWED AND AMENDED ORDER SUSPENDING IN-PERSON COURT PROCEEDINGS RELATED TO NEW HAMPSHIRE CIRCUIT COURT AND RESTRICTING PUBLIC ACCESS TO COURTHOUSES," March 27, 2020
  149. ↑ New Hampshire Judicial Branch, "RENEWED AND AMENDED ORDER SUSPENDING IN-PERSON COURT PROCEEDINGS RELATED TO NEW HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT AND RESTRICTING PUBLIC ACCESS TO COURTHOUSES," March 28, 2020
  150. ↑ New Hampshire Judicial Branch, "RENEWED AND AMENDED EMERGENCY ORDER GOVERNING NEW HAMPSHIRE SUPREME COURT PROCEEDINGS AND RESTRICTING ACCESS TO THE SUPREME COURT BUILDING," March 28, 2020
  151. ↑ The Eagle-Tribune, "NH courts to halt most case work through April 6," March 16, 2020
  152. ↑ South Jersey Observer, "New Jersey Courts Set To Resume Jury Trials," accessed September 22, 2020
  153. ↑ New Jersey Supreme Court, "NOTICE TO THE BAR, "July 10, 2020
  154. ↑ app.com, "Reopening NJ: State courts to reopen for limited matters on June 22," June 11, 2020
  155. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," June 2, 2020
  156. ↑ New Jersey Courts, "Judiciary Launches Virtual Grand Jury Pilot Program," May 15, 2020
  157. ↑ [https://njcourts.gov/notices/2020/n200424a.pdf?c=1hz Notice to the Bar, "COVID-19- SECOND OMNIBUS ORDER ON COURT OPERATIONS AND LEGAL PRACTICE - MORE OPERATIONS TO BE CONDUCTED REMOTELY; LIMITED DISCOVERY EXTENSIONS AND TOLLING PERIODS," April 24, 2020}
  158. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," April 21, 2020
  159. ↑ 159.0 159.1 National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts - March 30," March 30, 2020
  160. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts - March 24, 2020," March 24, 2020
  161. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus & The Courts," accessed March 19, 2020
  162. ↑ North Jersey, "Coronavirus: NJ Supreme Court chief justice orders two-week shutdown of municipal courts," March 14, 2020
  163. ↑ IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO, "IN THE MATTER OF UPDATED PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES FOR COURT OPERATIONS IN THE NEW MEXICO JUDICIARY DURING THE COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY," accessed April 29, 2020
  164. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts - March 24, 2020," March 24, 2020
  165. ↑ Las Cruces Sun-News, "State courts to remain open, despite other coronavirus closures," March 15, 2020
  166. ↑ Spectrum News, "Jury Trials to Resume This Week in New York State," September 8, 2020
  167. ↑ NYSBA, "Daily Coronavirus Update: Grand Juries Begin Today Outside NYC," July 13, 2020
  168. ↑ New York State Unified Court System, "By Week’s End, All Courts Outside NYC Will Have Begun Phase Two of Gradual Return to In-Person Operations," June 11, 2020
  169. ↑ CNN, "Southern District of New York indefinitely postpones jury trials," April 21, 2020
  170. ↑ New York State Unified Court System, "Virtual Courts Expanded Beyond the Limited Category of Essential and Emergency Matters," April 13,2020
  171. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," March 23, 2020
  172. ↑ New York Law Journal, "NY State Courts End' Nonessential' Services in Coronavirus Response," March 15, 2020
  173. ↑ WCTU 12, October 17, 2020
  174. ↑ Watauga Online, "Chief Justice Beasley Extends Emergency Directives in Response to COVID-19," September 15, 2020
  175. ↑ WITN, "Chief Justice Beasley extends emergency court directives," August 24, 2020
  176. ↑ North Carolina Judicial Branch, "Chief Justice Beasley Extends Emergency Directives Regarding Jury Trials, Evictions, and Public Health Measures," August 15, 2020
  177. ↑ Watauga Online', "Chief Justice Beasley Orders Extension of Emergency Directives Regarding Jury Trials and Court Facility Public Health Measures," July 21, 2020
  178. ↑ The Fayetteville Observer, "North Carolina courts setting 30-day pauses on most proceedings," March 13, 2020
  179. ↑ KFYRTV, "North Dakota courts face backloads, safety measure as jury trials resume," July 6, 2020
  180. ↑ Grand Forks Herald, "North Dakota Supreme Court declares judicial state of emergency in response to COVID-19 pandemic," March 16, 2020
  181. ↑ The Supreme Court of Ohio & The Ohio Judicial System, "Coronavirus Resources," accessed March 17, 2020
  182. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus & The Courts," accessed March 19, 2020
  183. ↑ Oklahoma's News 4, "Oklahoma Supreme Court issues order regarding COVID-19," March 17, 2020
  184. ↑ [https://www.courts.oregon.gov/news/Lists/ArticleNews/Attachments/1229/1ff91edf3d37ee489b78289309e59b45-CJO_20-016_news_release.pdf Oregon State Courts, "Oregon Chief Justice authorizes expanded court activities in reopening counties, orders three court closure days to address budget reductions," May 15, 2020]
  185. ↑ [https://www.courts.oregon.gov/news/Lists/ArticleNews/Attachments/1229/1ff91edf3d37ee489b78289309e59b45-CJO_20-016_news_release.pdf Oregon State Courts, "Oregon Chief Justice authorizes expanded court activities in reopening counties, orders three court closure days to address budget reductions," May 15, 2020]
  186. ↑ Salem Statesman Journal, "Oregon courts to close for most jury trials, hearings due to coronavirus pandemic," March 16, 2020
  187. ↑ [http://www.pacourts.us/assets/files/page-1305/file-9376.pdf The Unified JUDICIAL SYSTEM of PENNSYLVANIA, "CESSATION OF STATEWIDE JUDICIAL EMERGENCY AFTER JUNE 1, 2020," accessed July 7, 2020]
  188. ↑ In the Supreme Court of the Pennsylvania, Western District, "Emergency Order of Stste Wide Judicial Emergency applicable from May 1, 2020 to June 1, 2020
  189. ↑ The Morning Call, "Pennsylvania courts to remain closed to public through April 30 to stem coronavirus; evictions halted statewide," April 1, 2020
  190. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus & The Courts," accessed March 19, 2020
  191. ↑ The Legal Intelligencer, "Pa. Supreme Court Declares Statewide Judicial Emergency," March 16, 2020
  192. ↑ State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, "Administrative Order 2020-07," June 10, 2020
  193. ↑ WJAR, "RI Supreme Court to hear cases remotely," May 11, 2020
  194. ↑ Newport RI.com, "Courts around the state, including in Newport, ordered to remain closed," April 8, 2020
  195. ↑ TurnTo10, "Rhode Island Judiciary says state court calendars canceled next week," March 13, 2020
  196. ↑ Bluffton Today, "South Carolina courts reopen with pandemic adjustments," accessed September 22, 2020
  197. ↑ South Carolina Judicial Branch, "MEMORANDUM", April 24, 2020
  198. ↑ The State, "State, federal jury trials in South Carolina put on hold due to coronavirus," March 16, 2020
  199. ↑ KCCR, "South Dakota Supreme Court Declares Judicial Emergency Because Of Coronavirus," March 13, 2020
  200. ↑ TN Courts, "SUPREME COURT EXTENDS JUDICIAL EMERGENCY AND EASES COURT RESTRICTIONS," May 27, 2020
  201. ↑ In the Supreme Court of Tennessee, "IN RE: COVID-19 PANDEMIC," April 24, 2020
  202. ↑ WMC5, "Tennessee Supreme Court limits in-person court proceedings in COVID-19 order," March 14, 2020
  203. ↑ KXII, "Texas Supreme Court extends order delaying jury trials," August 10, 2020
  204. ↑ Law 360, "Texas Courts Re-Closing Amid COVID-19 Spike," June 29, 2020
  205. ↑ Law.com, "Texas Jury Trials to Resume This Summer Under Experimental Program," May 27, 2020
  206. ↑ In the Supreme Court of Texas, "TWELFTH EMERGENCY ORDER REGARDING THE COVID-19 STATE OF DISASTER," April 27, 2020
  207. ↑ Twitter, "Blake Hawthorne on March 16, 2020," accessed March 17, 2020
  208. ↑ IN THE SUPREME COURT OF TEXAS, "FIRST EMERGENCY ORDER REGARDING THE COVID-19 STATE OF DISASTER," March 13, 2020
  209. ↑ KSL, "Utah court cases to be pushed back amid coronavirus concerns," March 14, 2020
  210. ↑ WNYT, "Vermont extends judicial emergency through end of 2020," August 25, 2020
  211. ↑ VPR, "Vermont Courts Prepare To Ramp Up As COVID-19 Restrictions Relax," May 28, 2020
  212. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," May 14, 2020
  213. ↑ Vermont Supreme Court, "Adminstrative Order No. 49," April 23, 2020
  214. ↑ National State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts - April 10, 2020," April 10, 2020
  215. ↑ Burlington Free Press, "Most Vermont court hearings are canceled and courthouses closed to the public amid COVID-19 outbreak," March 17, 2020
  216. ↑ The Roanoke Times, "Judicial emergency now slated to extend into November," September 28, 2020
  217. ↑ [http://www.vacourts.gov/news/items/covid/2020_0506_scv_order.pdf In the Supreme Court of Virginia,"IN RE: FOURTH ORDER MODIFYING AND EXTENDING DECLARATION OF JUDICIAL EMERGENCY IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 EMERGENCY," May 6, 2020]
  218. ↑ The Supreme Court of Virginia, "IN RE: THIRD ORDER EXTENDING DECLARATION OF JUDICIAL EMERGENCY IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 EMERGENCY," April 22, 2020
  219. ↑ Supreme Court of Virginia, "IN RE: ORDER EXTENDING DECLARATION OF JUDICIAL EMERGENCY IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 EMERGENCY," March 27, 2020
  220. ↑ NBC12, "Supreme Court of Virginia issues judicial emergency amid coronavirus outbreak," March 16, 2020
  221. ↑ THE SUPREME COURT OF WASHINGTON, "IN THE MATTER OF STATEWIDE RESPONSE BY WASHINGTON STATE COURTS TO THE COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY," April 29, 2020
  222. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," April 15, 2020
  223. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus & The Courts," accessed March 19, 2020
  224. ↑ Seattle Times, "Superior Courts in King and Snohomish counties suspend criminal jury trials until April in response to coronavirus outbreak," March 13, 2020
  225. ↑ SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS OF WEST VIRGINIA , "RE: RESUMPTION OF OPERATIONS," May 6, 2020
  226. ↑ Supreme Court of West Virginia, "RE: Judicial Emergency Declared, Second Amended Order," April 22, 2020
  227. ↑ Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia, "Judicial Emergency Declared, Amended Order," April 3, 2020
  228. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," March 23, 2020
  229. ↑ Charleston Gazette-Mail, "WV Supreme Court issues protocols limiting in-person hearings, warns against abusing the system for personal gain," March 15, 2020
  230. ↑ State Bar of Wisconsin, "Supreme Court Clarifies Court Operation Plans During COVID-19, Extends Orders," October 6, 2020
  231. ↑ WUWM 89.7, "Wisconsin Courts To Resume Operations With Virus Controls," May 27, 2020
  232. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," March 23, 2020
  233. ↑ State Bar of Wisconsin, "Wisconsin Court System Responds to COVID-19 Concerns," March 11, 2020
  234. ↑ Rocket Miner, "Justice continues during pandemic," July 30, 2020
  235. ↑ IN THE SUPREME COURT, STATE OF WYOMING, "FOURTH ORDER AMENDING MARCH 18, 2020 TEMPORARY PLAN TO ADDRESS HEALTH RISKS POSED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC," June 12, 2020
  236. ↑ Wyoming State Supreme Court, "Wyoming Supreme Court Issues COVID-19 Emergency Order," March 18, 2020
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Political responses to the coronavirus pandemic, 2020-2021
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