Emergency relief in postponing and rescheduling court cases and trials will be extended through May 17, in an order recently filed by the Indiana Supreme Court.
A virtual meeting was held Thursday, April 30 with the Board of Directors of the Indiana Judicial Conference where Starke Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall was present representing the nine courts in Starke, Pulaski and La Porte Counties. Beginning May 18, virtual hearings will be used as often as possible where rules will allow the use of technology. Judge Hall will be holding all criminal hearings in the Starke County Justice Center courtroom.
Judge Hall stated that jury trials are postponed until at least June 1. At that time, jury trial logistics will be dependent upon each Court’s physical environment and resources.
Only the parties of a hearing, their attorneys and essential witnesses will be allowed in the courtroom when operations expand. Everyone entering the courtroom should be screened for a temperature and masks should be required. There will be no spectators at the hearings.
The order may be reviewed at the end of the emergency relief period depending on recommendations from the Indiana State Department of Health, the Executive Branch and the Court’s own review. Transition plans will be submitted to the Indiana Supreme Court by May 15.
