ARIZONA COURTS AND COVID-19
Updated as of: March 19, 2020
It is no secret that most industries in America are being affected by the COVID-19 virus (Coronavirus). The Arizona Supreme Court has issued an order providing updated guidelines with respect to court procedures in light of this current health crisis. Other branches of the Arizona court system have issued county-specific guidelines within the confines of those set forth by the Arizona Supreme Court. Thomas Rubin & Kelley, PC is actively monitoring these updates and we wanted to provide our clients with a summary of the guidelines that may affect ongoing matters, including those that are pre-litigation and those in active litigation. We will continue to keep our clients updated as additional guidelines are set forth by Arizona courts. This is certainly a difficult time for many people across the globe. Thomas Rubin & Kelley, PC is dedicated to continuing to protect our clients while simultaneously doing our part to combat the effects of the current health crisis. If you have any questions about the status of Arizona court systems or requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Brian Rubin (602-604-7509 / brubin@trkfirm.com)
Michael Kelley (602-604-7505 / mkelley@trkfirm.com)
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ARIZONA SUPREME COURT
The Arizona Supreme Court issued an order on March 18, 2020, which provides updated protocols with respect to all Arizona state courts. The relevant guidelines are as follows:
All in person proceedings in all Arizona appellate, superior, justice, and municipal courts shall be avoided to the greatest extent possible.
All jury trials set for any date between March 18, 2020 and April 17, 2020 are to be rescheduled.
All local courts must liberally grant continuances and additional accommodations to parties, witnesses, jurors, and others with business before the courts.
The presiding superior court judge of each county must issue county-specific orders regarding in-person court proceedings that comply with CDC recommendations and protect the health and safety of all participants.
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DISTRICT COURT OF ARIZONA
The District Court of Arizona issued an order on March 18, 2020, which provides updated protocols with respect to all Arizona federal courts. The relevant guidelines are as follows:
All civil and criminal jury tries scheduled to commence on or before May 4, 2020 are continued pending further order of the Court.
Individual judges may continue to hold hearings, conferences, and bench trials that they deem necessary. Such proceedings shall be conducted by telephone or video-teleconference when feasible.