CHIEF JUSTICE ISSUES ORDER COURTS ARE OPEN, BUT ALL NON-ESSENTIAL HEARINGS ARE DELAYED

Salt Lake City, UT— Utah Chief Justice Matthew Durrant has issued a follow-up order to his March 12th order regarding court operation during the pandemic. Today’s order provides the public and the Appellate, District, Juvenile, and Justice courts with more detailed information about court operations in the state during the pandemic. The most important message for the public is that the Courts in the state of Utah are open for business. Effective immediately, however, all non-essential court hearings will be delayed until further notice. The order issued today provides guidance on the types of hearings that are considered essential and will not be delayed. Courts have also taken steps to lessen the spread of the virus by cancelling group gatherings, and by using technology, when possible, to hold essential hearings.
“To be clear, the courts will continue to operate and provide mission-essential functions such as proceedings involving in-custody defendants and protective orders, to name a few,” said Chief Justice Durrant. “Using technology, we will continue to find ways to serve the public while reducing the number of people who need to physically come to court.”
Courts will be open to accept filings. The public can find more information at utcourts.gov on COVID-19. For details on the hearings, please refer to the Administrative Order.

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