On March, 18, 2020 the Pennsylvania Supreme Court took the unprecedented step to order all courts statewide to be closed to the public for non-essential functions through at least April 3 to restrict potential COVID-19 exposure within the court system.

The closure took place at close of business on Thursday, March 19th.

The closure includes trial and intermediate appellate courts, as well as magisterial district courts.

Except for ongoing trials, jury and non-jury trials, both criminal and civil, are suspended.

Most importantly, the Court suspended all time calculations and deadlines relevant to all court cases and judicial business through April 3rd.

The Court noted that the U.S. government has issued guidance advising individuals to avoid gatherings of 10 or more people.  Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine urged the Justices to consider closing the courts for at least two weeks except for essential functions to limit person-to-person contact and lessen the spread of the virus.  The Court wrote: “This Court is cognizant of the nature of court proceedings, during which individuals who may be carrying the virus with or without symptoms – including court staff, attorneys, litigants, other court participants and members of the public – may come into close proximity with other persons”

Finally, the Order sets forth numerous “essential functions” that are not covered by the Court closure.   Please contact us if you have questions concerning how this Order may affect any ongoing proceeding involving you, your government unit, or organization.

Click here for the Court’s March 18th Order. March 18 Supreme Court Administative Order Courts Closed to the Public - 008634

Municipal Law Alert by Lamb McErlane partner Mark P. Thompson.