Minnesota Court Rules Changed For COVID Pandemic
St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Minnesota Supreme Court has issued an order concerning the continued operation of the state’s judicial system during the state of emergency over the coronavirus pandemic.
The order states that in cases where a jury has already been convened and the trial is underway, it should continue unless sickness or other safety circumstances require it to be suspended. No new trials will be allowed to begin before April 22nd unless the Supreme Court lifts or modifies the order prior to that date. The same rules apply to grand jury proceedings in Minnesota.
The order also states that criminal court hearings involving a defendant in custody will continue to be held in courtrooms but the defendants and attorneys involved may appear remotely using phone or video conferencing technology. All other adult criminal proceedings will be suspended until April 22nd unless they can be conducted remotely. Similar rules will also apply to juvenile criminal court proceedings.
Proceedings scheduled before the State Supreme Court and Minnesota Court of Appeals will continue, although the presentation of oral arguments may be handled remotely if it is necessary and appropriate for the case. The order also allows the Supreme and Appeals Courts to grant reasonable extensions of court deadlines, up to a maximum of 30 days.
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