Indianapolis Bar Association COVID Update: Marion County Courts

Courtesy of the IBA today:

Updated COVID Marion Superior and Circuit Court Measures regarding Facial Coverings and Suspension of Jury Trials

The Executive Committee of the Marion Superior Court and the Judge of the Circuit Court have continued to monitor local numbers regarding increase in COVID positive cases.

The statewide Resuming Court Operations Task Force has continued to provide guidance to courts across the state on how to maintain court operations in light of the ongoing public health emergency. As of November 10, 2020, the Indiana Supreme Court, in 20S-CB-123, provided guidance to trial courts on minimizing the risk of exposure to COVID to court staff, litigants, attorneys and members of the public. In the Order, the Indiana Supreme Court reiterated that trial courts have inherent authority to suspend and/or reschedule criminal or civil jury trials for a limited time.

At this time, all jury trials in Marion County will be continued and reset after January 21, 2022. Additionally, facial coverings will be required and occupancy capacity will be limited in all areas of the courthouse. The proper use of facial coverings will be strictly enforced.

Click here to view the order regarding facial coverings.
Click here to view the order regarding the continuance of jury trials.

It’s currently unclear whether there will be a ripple effect from the continuances this month, which is to say we don’t know for certain whether jury trials currently set after the 21st will be impacted.  This likely will unfold on a case-by-case basis.  

John