COVID-19 Related News Articles
Track all of the news articles about the federal Judiciary's response and recovery during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Judiciary Ends COVID Emergency; Study of Broadcast Policy Continues
Published onMay 11, 2023
The COVID-19 emergency is no longer affecting the functioning of the federal courts, the Judicial Conference’s Executive Committee has found, setting in motion a 120-day grace period in which federal courts may continue to provide the same remote public audio access to civil and bankruptcy proceedings as they did during the emergency.
In COVID-19, Judicial Conference Met Its Ultimate Challenge
Published onDecember 22, 2022
When COVID-19 struck in early 2020, Chief Justice William Howard Taft’s vision of a Judiciary that could work in unison was put to perhaps its greatest test. For critical weeks and months, the Judiciary’s very ability to conduct proceedings was endangered. The Judicial Conference of the United States, the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, and judges and court staff across the country worked tirelessly to keep courts open and safe.
Omicron Puts Strain on Jury Trials
Published onJanuary 25, 2022
After more than a year of working to conduct justice in the face of a global pandemic, federal courts are being buffeted by omicron, whose rapid speed of transmission is making jury trials more vulnerable to COVID-19 interruptions.
As COVID-19 Cases Fall, Juries Get Back to Work
Published onMay 27, 2021
As coronavirus (COVID-19) case totals continue to decline in the United States, federal courts are rapidly expanding the number of jury trials and other in-person proceedings.
Defenders Navigate Uncharted Territory During Pandemic
Published onMarch 25, 2021
Working on the front lines of justice amid the pandemic, federal defenders are navigating uncharted territory as they work to maintain virtual access to clients in detention facilities and participate in socially distanced trials and hearings.
Smoke Tests Protect Courtroom Air From COVID-19
Published onMarch 4, 2021
Even as vaccines begin to protect the public from the coronavirus (COVID-19), one of the Judiciary’s biggest priorities is ensuring that the air inside courtrooms and hallways remains safe as courts schedule more in-person legal proceedings.
A new U.S. Courts video highlights a simple technique used to protect court users: a smoke test, which makes air currents inside buildings visible.
As Pandemic Lingers, Courts Lean Into Virtual Technology
Published onFebruary 18, 2021
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) has dragged on, a small number of courts have begun conducting virtual bench trials and even virtual civil jury trials in which jurors work from home. Here is a review of ways courts are using electronic communications to deliver justice during the pandemic.
Courts Suspending Jury Trials as COVID-19 Cases Surge
Published onNovember 20, 2020
About two dozen U.S. district courts have posted orders that suspend jury trials or grand jury proceedings, and scale back other courthouse activities in response to a sharp nationwide rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases. The surge in new court orders in recent weeks marks a significant pause in efforts by federal courts to resume full operations.
Grand Juries Carry on During Pandemic
Published onOctober 27, 2020
As the federal courts have gradually resumed operations with new pandemic-era health and safety rules in place, one aspect of the courts’ mission is on a fast track: the resumption of grand jury proceedings.
Courts Making Juror Safety a Top Priority
Published onSeptember 10, 2020
A small group of judges around the country have presided over jury trials during the COVID-19 pandemic. The number is growing as the backlog of criminal cases becomes an increasing concern among courts acutely aware that defendants are entitled to a fair, impartial, and timely trial.
Federal Judges Reinventing the Jury Trial During Pandemic
Published onAugust 27, 2020
A group of federal judges around the country are reinventing the jury trial so that it is not only a fair forum for the administration of justice, but also a safe experience for everyone in the courtroom, including defendants and jurors.
As Courts Restore Operations, COVID-19 Creates a New Normal
Published onAugust 20, 2020
When coronavirus (COVID-19) cases spiked in March, court practices changed almost overnight, relying on virtual hearings that make it possible to conduct most court-related activities without coming to the building. Now, with courts seeking to restore in-person proceedings, one thing already is clear: Justice in a pandemic environment will have a very different look and feel.
Defenders Work to Ensure Due Process Amid Pandemic
Published onAugust 19, 2020
Of the many challenges that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has imposed on the ongoing operations of federal courts, some of the toughest are being faced by federal defenders, who are on the front lines working to overcome unprecedented threats to their clients’ safety and constitutional rights.
Judges, Lawyers Bring Life Skills to Virtual Classroom Activities for Home and School
Published onAugust 6, 2020
High school teachers can bring real-life civics into their virtual lessons when they invite federal judges and volunteer attorneys to facilitate a civil discourse and decision-making simulation with students at home or in the classroom this fall.
Some Courts Slow Reopening Plans as COVID Cases Rise
Published onJuly 16, 2020
At a time when some states are backtracking on plans to restore business and government operations, a number of federal courts also are slowing plans to reopen courthouse doors as coronavirus (COVID-19) case numbers escalate in many states.