An order from the Missouri Supreme Court that became effective Tuesday removes mask requirements in state courtrooms.
The order also lifts restrictions on the number of people allowed in a courtroom, said Presiding Circuit Judge Michael Pritchett, of the 36th Judicial Circuit, which serves Butler and Ripley counties.
Operational Directives Phases I - IV are now rescinded, he said.
“In essence, we are now back to normal,” Pritchett explained. “However, should circumstances change with regard to COVID-19, such as an increase in the infection rate, we could reinstate whatever preventative measures are deemed necessary in response.”
The Supreme Court said in its order that decreases in the national and local levels of COVID-19 cases, as well as the availability of vaccines, allowed for the change.
The court has lifted the operational phases and directives that circuits used to determine COVID precautions within courtrooms.
“Based on local health conditions and the recommended CDC guidelines, chief and presiding judges may exercise their discretion in determining whether precautionary measures should be utilized to ensure the health and safety of those in the courtroom or court facility,” according to the order.
The Supreme Court also stated courts may continue to implement procedures for jury proceedings that the court or judge feels necessary to conduct safe proceedings.
Judges are also encouraged to allow vulnerable litigants, witnesses, victims, attorneys and participants to appear or participate remotely or continue or postpone their required presence at the court facility.
“Courts and judges continue to be encouraged, when appropriate, to utilize all available technologies – including teleconferencing and video conferencing,” the Supreme Court stated.
The pandemic has allowed the 36th Judicial Circuit to improve the efficiency of court operations with video services, particularly when addressing arrests involving incarcerated defendants, Pritchett said.
“We will continue to use video conferencing in coordination with the jail and also will have video conferencing available for attorneys and parties when necessary and/or convenient in both criminal and civil cases,” he said.
Security guards were also added at the entrance of the Butler County Courthouse, in response to the pandemic.
This will continue, Pritchett said.
“My goal at this point is to make certain that all who participate in court operations are comfortable being present,” he said. “Any individual concerns regarding social distancing or face coverings will be addressed and resolved as they arise.”
Alternate site jury selection requirements, to allow for social distancing, have also been lifted, and will begin with a Friday court case, Pritchett said.
A jury trial is scheduled to be held Wednesday in Butler County, and the Tinnin Fine Arts Center will be used for jury selection.
“Jurors were called last week before the recent Supreme Court Order and were told to report to the center,” Pritchett said. “A jury trial scheduled for this Friday will utilize the courtroom for all proceedings.”