Courtrooms closed in Mass through April 6— at earliest

Courts in Massachusetts courts will be closed to the public from March 18 until at least April 6, except to conduct emergency hearings that cannot be resolved through a videoconference or telephone hearing, according to a standing order issued Tuesday by the Supreme Judicial Court.

"Individual clerks' offices will be open to accept emergency pleadings, to address questions and to assist with videoconference or telephonic hearings," the SJC said. Each Trial Court department has issued a standing order to specify what constitutes an emergency matter. People with previously scheduled hearings - emergency or non-emergency, during the closure period should contact the appropriate clerk's, clerk magistrate's, register's or recorder's office for instruction.

"We are in uncharted territory for state judicial systems, and we are working to continue to deliver justice to all individuals while striving to keep the public, court users and our employees safe," said Trial Court Chief Justice Paula Carey. "In these unprecedented times, we intend to listen, learn and adjust as necessary to accomplish our objective to deliver justice and to keep all safe. I am extraordinarily proud of those who work in the Trial Court who have tirelessly done their jobs in the face of this pandemic. I know that they will continue to do so."


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