In 2020, Congress directed the Judicial Conference and the Supreme Court to consider possible rule amendments that could ameliorate future national emergencies’ effects on court operations in light of the COVID pandemic. [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020, Pub. L. No. 116-136, § 15002(b)(6) (PDF)]. Before undertaking any rulemaking, the Rules Committees invited public comment on the matter. That initial round of comments is set forth below.
Read the chart listing the individual comments received by subject matter (PDF).
Find the corresponding comments by category:
- Appellate / Civil (PDF)
- Bankruptcy (PDF)
- Criminal (PDF)
- General (PDF)
The Advisory Committees on Appellate, Bankruptcy, Civil, and Criminal Procedure subsequently recommended, and the Standing Committee approved, publication for comment rules for future emergencies. Read the text of the proposed amendments in the August 2021 Preliminary Draft found at Records of the Rules Committees and read the comments received at Archive of Proposed Rule and Form Amendments.