BREAKING: Md. courts to return to Phase III, jury trials postponed

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Maryland Judiciary has announced that due a surge in COVID-19 cases across the state, operations will be restricted to Phase III of its five-phased reopening plan beginning Monday, November 16th.

Clerks’ offices in the District Court of Maryland and circuit courts throughout the state will remain open to the public.

We’re told the District Court and circuit courts will hear specific case types remotely or in-person, however, jury trials have been postponed until the Judiciary is able to re-enter Phase V of its progressive reopening plan.

“After consultation with the leadership of the Maryland Department of Health and Judiciary leaders, I have determined that the Maryland Judiciary must return to restricted operations as described in Phase III in response to the rapidly increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Maryland,” said Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera. “The health and safety of the public, judges, and Judiciary staff remains a top priority, and we will continue to monitor the COVID-19 health emergency and adjust Judiciary operations as necessary. We will keep the public apprised of any changes in operations and ensure that as many of the core functions of the Judiciary will remain available to the extent the emergency conditions allow.”

The full new amended order can be found here.

For the latest updates on court operations in Maryland, click here.