Minnesota courts limit in-person activities in court facilities for additional 45 days

Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie S. Gildea issued a statewide order effective Feb. 1 that limits in-person activity in courthouses for an additional 45 days and creates standing criteria to hold criminal jury trials at that time, according to a release.

"We are keeping the doors to justice open in a manner that prioritizes health and safety," Chief Justice Gildea said. "Through online hearings, socially-distanced courtrooms and our self-help centers, Minnesotans have had a place to turn to find support, resolve their disputes, and protect their rights during this unprecedented time."

Under the order, no new criminal jury trials will commence before March 15, unless the chief judge in the district where the trial is being held grants an exception, according to the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Exceptions shall be granted for criminal cases that meet three criteria- the defendant has requested a speedy trial, the defendant is in custody and the case involves a felony or non-felony person crime- unless the chief judge determines that a trial cannot be held safely due to local conditions.

No in-person civil jury trials will be held before March 15, unless for the same exception listed in the above text.

For more information on restrictions in Minnesota courts, click here.