The Maryland court system has announced a phased reopening plan, detailing how courts across the state will gradually return to full operations over the coming weeks and months. Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera of the Maryland Court of Appeals issued the Administrative Order on the Progressive Resumption of Full Function of Judiciary Operations on May 22. This order provides guidance as the judicial branch continues to monitor the COVID-19 public health emergency.
"The details in the reopening plan were carefully and deliberately crafted by workgroups composed of Judiciary leadership, with the health and wellbeing of court visitors and employees as the driving force, in our work to increase access to the courts," stated Chief Judge Barbera. She emphasized that immediate full operations are not feasible, but a phased return will help manage this transition while monitoring health conditions in each jurisdiction.
The phased approach begins on June 5 at 5 p.m., moving from Phase I to Phase II. During this phase, courts remain closed to the public except for essential personnel involved in ongoing cases. Each phase allows for increased courthouse activity, with adjustments possible based on local COVID-19 conditions.
Remote proceedings continue to be encouraged throughout all phases. "Remote proceedings have been useful and effective in facilitating the courts’ ability to carry out core functions during the COVID-19 pandemic," said Judge Laura Ripken, Administrative Judge for the Fifth Judicial Circuit.
Phase 3 is anticipated to start on July 20, when clerks' offices are expected to fully open if possible. This phase will also see an expanded range of scheduled court matters. Safety measures include mandatory COVID-19 screenings, temperature checks, mask-wearing, and social distancing within courthouses.
"We have worked tirelessly to make sure the safeguards necessary to protect...the health of the public, Judiciary personnel, and justice partners were in place before we open to the public," said District Court Chief Judge John P. Morrissey.
Local administrative judges may limit courthouse access based on safety considerations. The judiciary has secured personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and sanitizers ahead of reopening dates.
Pamela Harris, State Court Administrator, noted efforts made with various agencies and vendors to ensure safe reopening: "The Judiciary’s ability to gradually resume court operations is...a result of these efforts."
Notices about changes will be posted online at www.mdcourts.gov/coronavirusupdate. Members of the public are advised to check this site for updates on services offered both remotely and in-person.
Chief Judge Barbera highlighted that maintaining professionalism is crucial during these adjustments: "Maryland court operations have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and will require professionalism...from the public and legal community."
Additional administrative orders address grand juries' resumption and statutes' tolling or suspension related to pending matters. Jury trials are set to resume from October 5, with priority given to criminal trials and urgent matters.
For detailed information regarding these orders or any updates about court operations during this period, individuals should refer directly to official documents provided by Maryland Courts.