In response to the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, the New Jersey Supreme Court has authorized various adjustments to court operations as set forth in a series of nine Omnibus Orders, issued between March and October 2020. After initially authorizing a swift transition from in-person to remote court operation, the Supreme Court authorized an incremental resumption of in-person matters as the public health emergency appeared to subside.
The COVID-19 pandemic has recently become much more severe, with infections increasing exponentially. As a result, the Supreme Court has decided to re-impose some restrictions. Today, the Supreme Court issued an order suspending new in-person jury trials and grand juries. Existing virtual grand jury panels will continue; the Courts will be primarily working with a remote format; and plans are underway to explore virtual civil trials.
The reasons for the Supreme Court’s recent action suspending in-person jury trials and re-imposing other restrictions are set forth in the preamble of the order, as follows:
A second wave of COVID-19 has struck New Jersey and the rest of the nation. The increasing rates of new cases, hospitalizations, and deaths make it impracticable and unsafe for certain in-person court events to continue at the level reached during the past few months. Although it is not necessary at this time to prohibit all on-site presence and in-person events at court locations, in-person jury trials and in-person grand jury sessions will now be suspended based on current COVID-19 trends and health and safety concerns.
Read the full order: [gview file=”https://vanarellilaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/11-16-20-Supremem-Court-Order.pdf”]
The New Jersey judiciary issued and continues to issue orders, Notices to the Bar, and other directives setting out measures to address the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Readers may view all COVID-19 press releases, orders, and Notices to the Bar on the New Jersey Courts COVID-19 Coronavirus Updates page. For example, the New Jersey Supreme Court (Supreme Court) has generally issued a series of omnibus orders relaxing or suspending rules, tolling or extending deadlines, or allowing other accommodations in response to COVID-19. In that regard, the NJ Supreme Court has issued nine Omnibus Orders to date. (see, e.g., Supreme Court’s ninth omnibus order dated October 8, 2020 (Ninth Omnibus Order)).
Here are a few other key court and government developments:
- There’s an update from the Courts adopting new Court Rule 3:4-7 concerning pre-indictment hearings.
- And there is a new directive about field supervision and safety standards for probation issues.
• Through the New Jersey Personal Protective Equipment Access Program, New Jersey businesses and non-profits are eligible for discounted PPE purchases made through an approved online retailer.
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