Court is not in session

An order from Jefferson County Administrative Judge Kent Walston has cancelled all jury trials until the end of April. 

According to the order, "In response to the growing health concerns about the spread of the coronavirus and to protect the citizens of Jefferson County, the District and the County Court Judges will not be calling any jury trials for the remainder of March through April 30, 2020. As this situation continues to develop, we will continue to monitor and assess the concerns of our county and its citizens. Each Court will exercise its own discretion on a case-by-case basis regarding hearings and the calling of bench trials."

A press release from Walston notifying the public stated that the move was a "proactive decision to temporarily suspend all jury trials in the Civil, Criminal and Domestic Relation Courts." The decision does not affect any civil hearings or motions currently scheduled before the civil courts. 

"Additionally, the essential functions of the Domestic Relation Courts, such as criminal magistrate proceedings, CPS removal hearings, temporary restraining orders/temporary injunctions, juvenile detention hearings and family violence protective orders, will continue to be heard. The judges will constantly assess and monitor the situation in order to protect our citizens and employees."

The order states that each court will use its own discretion regarding hearings and calling bench trials during this time. 

The release concludes with the judiciary urging citizens to not panic, as well as use common sense in minimizing exposure to the virus.