State courts are combining forces to find ways to remain open and provide essential services to the public in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This national effort is being led by the Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ) and the Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA).
Jointly, the groups have formed a Pandemic Rapid Response Team consisting of six judicial leaders. The group is chaired by Chief Justice Nathan Hecht of Texas, who is serving as president of CCJ.
“State courts are the heart of the American system of justice,” said Hecht. “Collectively we are working together to protect public health while also finding innovative ways to keep the courts open for business.”
Across the country, state courts have taken action to balance the important need to maintain access to the courts with the equally critical need to protect public health.
Some examples of actions undertaken by the state courts include:
• Suspending jury trials in an effort to support social distancing efforts recommended by the CDC.
• Restricting access to court buildings for those exhibiting flu-like symptoms.
• Expanding access to remote hearing technology, while also providing training to judges, court staff and court users.
• Continuing to hear certain essential matters in person.
The National Center for State Courts (NCSC) is tracking this and other vital information about how courts are responding to the pandemic at ncsc.org/pandemic. NCSC is maintaining a data visualization highlighting key efforts aimed at maintaining access to justice while ensuring public health.
The NCSC, headquartered in Williamsburg, Va., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the administration of justice by providing leadership and service to the state courts.
Founded in 1971 by the Conference of Chief Justices and U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren E. Burger, NCSC provides education, training, technology, management and research services to the nation’s state courts.
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