The order applies to in-person proceedings in all state and local courts in Alabama: Circuit, district, juvenile, municipal probate and appellate courts.
The suspension begins Monday and lasts through Thursday, April 16. It comes as courthouses around the country are suspending in-person proceedings or taking other measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The U.S. Supreme Court, for instance, is closing itself off from the public.
11 exceptions
- Proceedings necessary to protect constitutional rights of criminal defendants. This includes bond-related matters and plea agreements for incarcerated people.
- Civil and criminal jury trials that are in the progress as of Friday.
- Proceedings related to protection and abuse.
- Proceedings related to emergency child custody and protection orders.
- Department of Human Resources emergency matters related to child protection.
- Proceedings related to petitions for temporary injunctive relief.
- Proceedings related to emergency mental health orders.
- Proceedings related to emergency protection of elderly or vulnerable people.
- Proceedings directly related to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
- Any emergent proceeding as needed by law enforcement.
Other exceptions as approved by the Chief Justice of the Alabama State Supreme Court.
The order requires the presiding judge or designee of each judicial circuit to determine the manner in which in-person court proceedings for each exception are to be conducted. Other exceptions to the suspension of in-person court proceedings must be approved by Chief Justice Tom Parker.
Each in-person proceeding is to be limited to attorneys, parties, witnesses, security officers and other “necessary persons” as determined by the trial judge.
Any Supreme Court hearings set by or subject to regulation and that are set between March 16-April 16, are extended to April 20. Orders of protection and temporary injunctions that would expire between March 16-April 16, are extended until April 16, unless the trial court elects to enter an order to the contrary.
NOTE: The March 13 , 2020, order is limited to in-person courtroom proceedings. It has no effect on out-of-court activities in civil cases, including, but not limited to, depositions and mediations. Such out-of-court activities should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and this Court encourages all parties and attorneys to work together to implement appropriate social-distancing practices . Any dispute about an out-of-court activity related to a pending case should be directed to the court that is adjudicating the case.
