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Maryland Judiciary advances COVID-19 reopening plan; jury trials resume April

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Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Maryland Judiciary advances COVID-19 reopening plan; jury trials resume April

State Supreme Court
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Honorable Matthew Fader Chief Justice | Maryland Judiciary Website

The Maryland Judiciary is set to advance to Phase IV of its COVID-19 operations plan on March 15, 2021. This move marks a transition from the Phase II emergency operations that have been in place since November 30, 2020. The full resumption of operations, including jury trials, is scheduled for April 26, 2021.

From March 15, clerks' offices in circuit courts and District Court locations will open to the public for all matters. However, attendance may be limited to comply with COVID-19 social distancing requirements. Updated administrative orders regarding this phased resumption are available at mdcourts.gov/coronavirusorders.

COVID-19 health protocols remain mandatory across all courthouses and Judiciary buildings statewide. These include mask-wearing, no-contact temperature checks, health questionnaires, and social distancing measures for everyone over two years old, irrespective of vaccination status.

Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera stated: "With the reduction in the COVID-19 infection rates in Maryland and vaccines being provided systematically statewide, the Maryland Judiciary will move forward with its phased resumption plan. After expanding court proceedings and making a broader range of court services available to the public, the circuit courts will resume jury trials on April 26th." She emphasized that safeguarding public health remains a priority while ensuring access to justice during every phase of emergency operations.

Both the Court of Appeals and Court of Special Appeals will continue full operations through Phases IV and V. Oral arguments scheduled for April in these appellate courts will be conducted remotely unless further orders dictate otherwise.

Judge Keith A. Baynes noted: "The circuit courts have been hosting remote hearings efficiently and effectively throughout the pandemic." He added that Phase IV allows more case types for adjudication.

In Phase IV, circuit courts will address civil non-jury trials, de novo appeals, criminal post-conviction hearings, family hearings including child support contempt cases, as well as fully operational dockets for Child in Need of Assistance (CINA), juvenile delinquency, and problem-solving court cases.

District Courts will handle all civil and criminal matters under Phase IV guidelines. This includes minor traffic issues, failure to pay rent cases, fully operational problem-solving courts along with red light violations and other civil citations previously postponed.

Chief Judge John P. Morrissey commented: "The District Court of Maryland has performed many essential court functions remotely during the COVID-19 emergency and we will continue to be innovative in our approach to providing access to justice during the pandemic."

For further details or updates before visiting local courthouses, individuals can check mdcourts.gov or contact their local clerk’s office directly.

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