Supreme Court Adjust Court Operations

In response to the coronavirus disease, the Missouri Supreme Court Monday suspended, subject to certain exceptions, all in-person proceedings in all appellate and circuit courts, including all associate, family, juvenile, municipal and probate divisions, through Friday, April 3. The Court may extend its order as circumstances warrant. The Court’s order authorizes the presiding judges of each of the state’s 46 judicial circuits and the chief judge of each of the three districts of the state’s court of appeals to determine the manner in which the exceptions to in-person proceedings are to be conducted. It further gives the judges presiding over such proceedings discretion to excuse jurors or other individuals who cannot or should not appear as a result of risks associated with COVID-19.

The order does not affect a court’s ability to consider or rule on any matter that does not require an in-person proceeding. It also does not affect required deadlines through Missouri’s electronic filing system.

In a news release from the 14th Judicial Circuit, which includes Randolph and Howard Counties, Presiding Judge Scott Hayes announced that all pending jury trials and most court cases and dockets scheduled from March 18 through April 15 are being continued in an effort to comply with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Judge Hayes indicates that the courts will remain open, but on a limited accessibility basis and they will be using technology and videoconferencing when possible to conduct hearings. While the bulk of the dockets are continued, there are some individual cases, trials and hearings still being conducted. Everyone with a scheduled case needs to remain in contact with their attorney and can contact the Circuit Clerks office should they need information on their case. Notices will be mailed out to those with cases that have been continued, and information will also appear on case.net.