MADISON COUNTY, ALABAMA, Ala. — Presiding Circuit Judge Ruth Ann Hall has ordered many Madison County Court operation suspended until January. The order comes after the judge conferred with public health officials and reviewed local public health data.
The order states:
- All Circuit Court jury trial dockets for November and December 2020 are hereby suspended immediately.
- All District Traffic, Misdemeanor, Small claims and District Civil dockets are hereby suspended immediately and remain suspended until further notice.
It continues:
The following cases shall continue to be heard although the parties are
encouraged to conduct such hearings virtually if appropriate and practical:
- Proceedings necessary to protect the constitutional rights of criminal
defendants including bond-related matters. - Proceedings related to relief from abuse, including but not limited to orders of protection
- Proceedings related to emergency child custody orders
- OHR emergency matters related to child protection
- Proceedings related to emergency mental health orders
- Proceedings related to emergency protection of elderly or vulnerable persons
- Proceedings related to Unlawful Detainer actions
- Proceedings related to Domestic matters
- Proceedings presenting exigent circumstances
Instructions are also given for those who do have to appear at the Courthouse:
- Masks shall be worn by all participants appearing in the Courts of Madison County, the Circuit Clerk's Office and any offices associated therewith until further notice. The mask or face covering shall be sufficient to cover the individual's nose and mouth.
- Courtrooms will have designated seating to maintain a six (6) foot separation at all times. Therefore, individuals that are not parties to an action may be limited in their ability to be present in the courtroom.
- Witnesses shall be placed on standby per the instructions from the individual judge to whom the case is assigned.
The order states that attorneys should ask their clients and witnesses if they have experienced any symptoms or been diagnosed with coronavirus. If so, the Court must be notified immediately.
Any person who is ill or experiencing any respiratory issues or fever, regardless of suspected coronavirus cannot attend any court hearing, trial or proceeding.
It concludes:
This Order is intended to be interpreted broadly for the protection of the public from risks associated with COVID-19 and will remain in effect pending further Order of this Court.
READ THE FULL ORDER HERE: