Courts Across the Country Adopt Emergency COVID-19 Rules

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, courts across the country have implemented emergency orders suspending jury trials, extending deadlines for pretrial hearings and speedy trials, and allowing criminal defendants to appear remotely.

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, courts across the country have implemented public health emergency response and operation plans. These plans generally outline critical and essential functions of the court and prioritize caseloads.

In addition, many state courts have suspended jury trials, grand juries, and in-person hearings. Other common responses include:

  • utilizing technology for hearings and proceedings, including criminal proceedings
  • extending speedy trial deadlines
  • extending pretrial hearing deadlines, and
  • prioritizing bail hearings and increasing the use of release on recognizance or other forms of noncash bail.

Check your court's website for up-to-date emergency orders. You can find links to your state's judicial branch COVID-19 response page by using our 50-state tracker.

Updated: June 24, 2020.