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Pennsylvania Supreme Court closes courtrooms statewide

March 19, 2020

By Frank G Salpietro, Esquire

UPDATE: The general closure of Pennsylvania courts on Wednesday was extended through April 30.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court announced on March 18th that all Pennsylvania courts – including trial and intermediate appellate courts – are closed to the public for non-essential and non-emergency functions through at least April 3, 2020. The statewide court closure also includes magisterial district courts and Pittsburgh Municipal Court, Arraignment Division.

In addition, the Court has suspended all time computations and deadlines relevant to court cases or other judicial business through April 3, 2020. Any filing due between March 18 and April 3 will now be due on April 6, unless the individual court extends the deadline to avoid a large volume of filings on the same day.  The Court has also authorized and encouraged the use of advanced communication technology to conduct emergency court proceedings.

 Jury Duty

Except for ongoing trials, jury and non-jury trials (both criminal and civil) are suspended and jurors do not need to report for duty on or before April 3, 2020.

Evictions

The Court’s Order also directs that, during the period of judicial emergency, no eviction, ejectment or other displacement from a residence based on failure to make payment can be made.

Prompt Trial and Ongoing Trials

The Order also suspends Rule of Criminal Procedure 600 in all judicial districts. Unless otherwise designated by a President Judge, all other cases pending are postponed. Minor courts are directed to accept payments by mail, electronically (online), or by telephone where possible.

Court of Common Pleas Essential functions which are not suspended

In the Courts of Common Pleas, the Order outlines essential functions, which are NOT suspended, such as:

  • Emergency bail review and habeas corpus hearings;
  • Gagnon 1 hearings;
  • Bench warrant hearings pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 150;
  • Juvenile delinquency detention;
  • Juvenile emergency shelter and detention hearings;
  • Temporary protection from abuse hearings;
  • Emergency petitions for child custody;
  • Emergency petitions for guardianship;
  • Civil mental health reviews (50 P.S. §302)
  • Any pleadings or motions relating to public health concerns and involving immediate and irreparable harm; and
  • Any other function deemed by a president judge to be essential consistent with constitutional requirements.

In addition, court calendars, scheduling notices, subpoenas or other court orders compelling appearance by any attorney, litigant or other participant in non-essential cases are continued or postponed until further order.

Magisterial and Municipal Court Essential functions which are not suspended

The Court has offered the following guidance to magisterial district courts and Pittsburgh Municipal Court, Arraignment Division (minor courts) with regards to essential functions:

  • Preliminary arraignments (bail setting) for bailable cases;
  • Criminal case filings and subsequent processing;
  • Preliminary hearings for incarcerated persons only;
  • Issuance of search warrants; and
  • Emergency protection from abuse petitions.

If you have questions about a current or upcoming litigation matter, our litigation team is here to help. Contact us online or call (412) 338-1100.

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