US courts in California limit proceedings, jurors, observors past New Year

Federal courts in California have activated plans for limited but continued operations as COVID-19 infections spike and the governor has issued a stay-at-home order.

On Monday, courts in the Central, Northern and Southern Districts of California announced limited operations will remain in place until the New Year.

The Central District, whose region has seen the most coronavirus cases and lowest hospital capacity, announced the restrictions would go into effect Wednesday at 5 p.m. and last through Jan. 8. All courthouses in the district will be closed to the public except for hearings on criminal duty matters. In-person hearings are suspended except for criminal duty matters. Appearances for civil cases will be conducted either by telephone or videoconference. Criminal bench duty will continue via telephone or videoconference with the defendant's consent, and will take place in court absent consent. Appearances in all other criminal matters will be conducted remotely.

Jury trials in the Central District remain suspended. Grand jury proceedings have been suspended, and grand jurors will not be required to report.

The Northern District's restrictions began Tuesday with the suspension of all in-person in-court proceedings at all locations. The suspension will remain in effect through Jan. 3.

The Eastern District will also remain closed to the public with judges holding criminal and civil hearings via telephone, video or in person as determined by each judge, until further order of the court, said Clerk of Court Keith Holland.

The Southern District also halted in-person proceedings and will resume conducting hearings by telephone or video, according to an emergency order signed Monday by Chief Judge Larry A. Burns. Judges will retain discretion to schedule in-person civil or criminal proceedings, conferences, bench trials and other actions to preserve rights of parties and ensure fairness while weighing public safety risks, the court said.

The Edward J. Schwartz and James M. Carter & Judith N. Keep courthouses in downtown San Diego and the U.S. courthouse in El Centro will remain open for business subject to the limitations set forth in the order.

All jury and bench trials, including misdemeanor and petty offense cases, and civil and criminal cases in which a trial date was set are postponed until Jan. 11. Grand jury proceedings were suspended until Jan. 8.

-- Gina Kim