Centre County’s top judge declared a judicial emergency. Here’s what it means
Centre County’s top judge declared a judicial emergency effective Monday until at least April 14 and continued all criminal and civil jury trials amid efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Jury selection scheduled for April 6 and 7 was canceled. Essential matters — including protection from abuse and juvenile hearings and some criminal cases — are scheduled to continue, according to memorandum from county President Judge Pamela Ruest.
“The Centre County Court of Common Pleas will continue to monitor developments related to COVID-19 and its impact on the county judicial system,” court administrator Kendra Miknis said Tuesday in a statement. “The court is communicating with with state and county officials, as well as continuing to monitor information provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and will adjust our policies accordingly.”
ARD Court held on Wednesdays will be canceled through April 14.
The state Supreme court gave county president judges authority to close court facilities Monday and suspend time limits that normally apply to court proceedings. Nearly 30 counties did so by Tuesday morning.
The Commonwealth Court canceled oral arguments scheduled for next week, including those for a lawsuit over the Marsy’s Law victim rights constitutional amendment.
No cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Centre County as of 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, according to the state health department.