SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (ABC4 News) — Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice Matthew B. Durrant has issued an updated administrative order after the Governor announced Utah has moved into phase one of reopening the state.
In a press release issued by the Utah Supreme Court, the new order expands the ability for judges to hold more hearings via remote video or telephone, including bench trials.
The order also gives more clear guidance to Utah judges and addresses courthouse operations, requiring all courts across Utah to perform the “mission-critical work” while providing for the safety of court personnel and the public.
The order requires the implementation of a judicial working group to find ways to conduct safe and effective in-person court proceedings, consisting of judges from all court levels, both in the rural and urban communities.
There is also a proposed plan to hold jury trails while conforming to the latest state and federal guidelines. The Utah Judicial Council must approve any proposal before it is implemented.
Read full details of the updated 1st phase of reopening the state
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