By Ray King
The Arkansas Supreme Court has issued additional guidelines for judges regarding the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.
In an order issued Friday, Chief Justice John Dan Kemp said that while the courts will remain open, the previously ordered suspension all in-person proceedings in all appellate, circuit and district courts are extended through May 1 and may be extended again as the circumstances warrant.
The order allows in-person hearings under certain circumstances but judges are encouraged to use all available technologies, including teleconferencing and video conferencing to limit in-person courtroom appearances.
Judge Kemp said all proceedings that do not require in-person appearances of the parties or attorneys are not suspended may continue or be suspended at the discretion of the presiding judge, as circumstances allow.
The order urges judges to use technology such as teleconferencing, video conferencing and any civil or criminal court rules that would impede the court clerk or judge from using such technology are suspended.
Judge Kemp also ordered that all summonses for people to participate in jury panels are suspended through Tuesday, June 30.
Because of the public health emergency, any delay for speedy trial purposes will be considered as an extraordinary circumstance that shall constitute “good cause as an extended period for the period of delay.”
