Missouri Supereme Court suspends in-person hearings throughout state for coronavirus
The Supreme Court of Missouri on Monday suspended all in-person proceedings until April 3 as a sixth case of the new coronavirus was reported in the state.
The suspension, which begins Tuesday, includes proceedings in all appellate and circuit courts, according to a news release. The court could extend the suspension depending on circumstances.
The presiding judges of the judicial circuits and the chief judge of the court of appeals will determine how any exceptions, such as emergency child custody orders or jury trials already in progress, will go forward.
State courts will stay open, according to the order.
According to the order, “Missouri courts still must continue to carry out the core, constitutional functions of the Missouri judiciary as prescribed by law and continue to uphold the constitutional rights of litigants seeking redress in any Missouri court.”
Courts can still consider or rule on issues that don’t have to be held in person. Missouri electronic filing system deadlines must still be met.
The order also suspended any non-essential work travel of judicial employees.
Six people in Missouri have preliminarly tested positive for COVID-19, the disease’s official name.
This story was originally published March 16, 2020 at 2:42 PM.
