A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Court proceedings throughout Kentucky restricted until April 10, to comply with Supreme Court ruling


NKyTribune staff

The Kentucky Supreme Court has restricted court proceedings from March 16 to April 10.

In accordance with that order, Circuit Court Clerks throughout the region have announced plans to comply with that ruling.

Boone County Circuit Court Clerk David Martin released a statement Monday providing guidance for those who may have business before the court during the restricted period.

“If you are scheduled to be in court during this period, you will be sent a court notice from our office. In addition, you can call our office (859-448-2900), check the Court of Justice website,  or contact your attorney to determine your next court date.”
Some emergency matters, such as domestic violence hearings, emergency custody hearings and important matters concerning people who are incarcerated, will continue as scheduled.

All scheduled jury orientations will be postponed until further notice.

A statement on the Kenton County Circuit Court website contained similar information.

“Due to the Corona virus and pursuant to Supreme Court Order most Kenton County cases are postponed until after April 10, 2020.  Some emergency hearings are still being held and the Justice Center is open.  Contact your attorney or our office to determine what date your case will be held. Judge Barlett’s motion docket scheduled for Monday March 16 is continued until Monday April 14th with the same times as noted on today’s docket.”

The text of the Supreme Court ruling is included below:

On March 6, 2020, Governor Beshear entered Executive Order 2020-215
and declared a State of Emergency in response to the novel coronavirus
(COVID-19) emergency in the Commonwealth.

In light of this measure and to protect the health and safety of court employees, elected officials, and the general public, and under Section 116 of the Constitution and Supreme Court
Rule 1.010, the Supreme Court hereby ORDERS the following measures to be implemented from Monday, March 16, to Friday, April 10, 2020:

1. With the exception of emergency and time-sensitive matters, including
but not limited to, domestic violence hearings, emergency custody
hearings, evidentiary hearings in criminal cases, in-custody arraignments, in-custody preliminary hearings under RCr 3.10, in custody bond motions, and in-custody probation violation hearings, all in-person appearances for civil and criminal dockets shall be canceled.
Judges are encouraged to use telephonic or video technology for all necessary hearings, including arraignments and mental-health hearings.
2. All civil trials, hearings, and motions shall be postponed and rescheduled for a later date. Any civil trial or hearing currently in progress shall be continued or completed at the discretion of the presiding judge.
3. Reasonable attempts shall be made to reschedule all criminal trials, subject to a defendant’s right to a speedy trial.
4. With the exception of emergency matters and hearings statutorily required to be held, small claims, eviction, juvenile, probate, traffic, and guardianship cases shall be continued.
5. Courtroom attendance shall be limited to attorneys, parties, and necessary witnesses.
6. A case involving an attorney or party who is ill or in a high-risk category shall be rescheduled.
7. Judges shall issue summonses in lieu of bench warrants or notices of failure to appear.
8. All show cause dockets for payment of fines and court costs scheduled within this timeframe shall be continued for 60 days.
9. The 20-day preliminary hearing requirement for out-of-custody defendants under RCr 3.10 is waived during the effective dates of this Order.
10. Jurors who are ill, caring for someone who is ill, or in a high-risk category shall have their jury service postponed to a later date.
11. New juror orientations shall be suspended.
12. Existing jury panels may be extended at the discretion of the court.
13. Attorneys are encouraged to use e-Filing.
14. Drop boxes should be used for conventionally filed documents if available.
15. Signage shall be posted at all public entry points advising individuals not to enter the building if they have:
a. In the previous 14 days, visited China, Iran, South Korea, any European countries, or any other high-risk countries identified by the CDC;
b. Resided with or been in close contact with someone who has been in any of those countries within the previous 14 days;
c. Traveled domestically within the United States where COVID-19 has sustained widespread community transmission;
d. Been asked to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital, or health agency;
e. Been diagnosed with or have had contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19; or
f. A fever, cough or shortness of breath.
16. Individuals attempting to enter in violation of these protocols shall be denied entrance by a bailiff or court security officer.
17. Bailiffs shall discourage congregating outside courtroom doors and encourage social distancing inside the courtroom.
18. Individuals with legitimate court business who are ill, caring for someone who is ill or in a high-risk category are advised to stay home and request a continuance by calling the local Office of Circuit Court Clerk.

Nothing in this Order shall preclude the chief district and chief circuit judges from implementing additional local restrictions as needed.

This Order shall be effective from March 16, 2020, to April 10, 2020, or until further Order of this Court.
____________________________________
CHIEF JUSTICE
All sitting; all concur.


Related Posts

Leave a Comment