In light of further recent developments in the coronavirus public health emergency in New York State, the court system released updated information for its operations.
Effective 5 p.m. on Monday, March 16, it will be postponing all nonessential functions of the courts until further notice.
All essential functions will continue, as described below.
Pending Trials: Pending criminal and civil trials will continue to conclusion. Consistent with directive of March 13, no other criminal or civil trials shall commence until further notice.
Supreme Court: Civil matters in courts Essential applications as the court may allow, e.g., Mental Hygiene Law applications, civil commitments, and guardianships.
All eviction proceedings and pending eviction orders are suspended statewide until further notice.
The Criminal Court will continue to hold arraignments. Felony matters regardless of the defendant's custody status will be adjourned until further notice.
Family court will continue to handle child protection proceedings, juvenile delinquency proceedings, family offenses, and support orders.
Surrogate's Court, and Court of Claims are also handling essential applications. That means judges will exercise judicial discretion in a manner designed to minimize court appearance and traffic in the courts.
The Court System will be establishing an emergency telephone number, available 24/7, for all questions from the public relating to court operations during the coronavirus public health emergency.
Nonjudicial employees should check with their supervisor for information on their assignment under the updated protocols. Unless you are expressly notified that you must report to work, do not report to work on Tuesday, March 17. (Staff remaining home pursuant to this directive shall designate such time as excused leave for payroll purposes.) Staff not required to report to work on Tuesday shall remain available for potential future work assignments going forward.
According to the courts, these initiatives are part of its continuing and evolving efforts to assure the operation of the courts in the safest possible manner for the public and employees in this time of medical emergency.
