Public Notice Detail

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Ramping Up In-Person Proceedings, Require Face Masks in Courtrooms

Posted: Tuesday, May 25, 2021

District trial courts will expand in-person court proceedings beginning June 14, 2021, under a new statewide order issued by Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie S. Gildea. In addition to criminal jury trials, the following are to be held in person: all court trials and contested hearings in major criminal, juvenile protection (CHIPS and permanency) and juvenile delinquency; criminal settlement conferences; and grand jury proceedings. Civil jury trials can begin to be held in person. All other proceedings will be held remotely unless the Chief Judge of the Judicial District grants permission for an in-person proceeding. Beginning August 2, 2021, court trials and contested hearings in mandatory misdemeanor criminal cases are to be held in person. Also effective June 14, 2021, per the Judicial Branch’s revised COVID-19 Preparedness Plan, social distancing requirements are eliminated for brief interactions or when people are wearing face coverings. Face coverings are required inside courtrooms and in jury deliberation spaces. Face coverings in public areas of a county-owned court facility will be required if local government guidelines mandate their use.