Court Hearings in all Litigation Types Continue to Ramp Up this Summer with the Help of Remote Appearances

Trials Continued Under Terms of New Order in Effect Through August 10, 2020

Presiding Judge Kevin C. Brazile announced today he has received approval from Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye to issue a new emergency Order pursuant to the emergency powers granted to him under Government Code 68115. Under today’s Order, the Court – which has not held any jury trials since March 17 – would resume Criminal jury trials in August 2020.

“Throughout this unprecedented public health crisis, the Court has implemented measures designed to protect the public it serves while safeguarding the rights of all participants in court proceedings,” Presiding Judge Brazile said. “The Court continues to evaluate this balance as the novel coronavirus contagion rate in Los Angeles County increases and public health authorities provide more guidance about how to slow its spread.”

Under the Order, and to safeguard the well-being of court users and enforce social distancing:

  • Prescheduled appointments are required for in-person services from the Clerk’s Office, court support services, and/or the Self-Help Center. Appointments may be made the same day for persons seeking Restraining Orders who have completed paperwork and arrive at the courthouse no later than 3 p.m. For telephone or video assistance, or to schedule an appointment, the telephone number for each courthouse is listed at the courthouse entrance and posted on the Court’s website (www.lacourt.org).
  • Access to proceedings shall be limited to the judicial officer presiding, Court personnel, parties, counsel, witnesses and those members of the public (including news reporters/media representatives) who can be accommodated in the designated courtroom while enforcing social distancing.
  • Parties and counsel are strongly advised to consider using technology for remote appearances, whenever possible.

In accordance with the July 6 General Order, all persons are to wear face coverings over their nose and mouth while they are in a courthouse. Persons whose disabilities preclude them from wearing face coverings are urged to seek an accommodation under Rule 1.100 of the California Rules of Court in advance of their appearance.

The Court’s Here For You | Safe For You initiative is designed to provide a safe courthouse environment while offering services that allow court business to be conducted remotely.

Information on Here For You | Safe For You can be found here and on the Court’s Twitter page (@LASuperiorCourt).

View the full notice here.

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