COVID-19 Update on Opening of Connecticut Courts

On June 8, the Connecticut chief court administrator, Judge Patrick Carroll, announced continuing efforts to resume Connecticut court operations. The plan outlines these upcoming changes:

1. Commencing the week of June 15, the courts will change hours of operation. All courthouse locations that are currently open will be open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The hours for the public will be Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
2. Commencing the week of June 22, there will be expansion of courthouse locations opening for staff only. Milford, Stamford, Danbury and Windham courthouses will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for staff only.
3. Commencing the week of June 29, all courts that are currently open will expand their hours to be open to the public Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
4. Commencing the week of July 6, all courthouses will be open to staff and the public from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day.

Judge Carroll described the challenges in efforts to resume full court services but noted that public health and safety will continue to guide all operational planning. The Connecticut Judicial Branch will continue to resume court operations in an incremental way and will utilize emerging technologies to find efficiency, reduce cost and increase access to courts. This will include "virtual courtroom" technology allowing remote hearings. Currently, the Judicial Branch cannot predict when jury trials will resume, but jurors will not be summoned before September 1.

To review Judge Carroll's complete memorandum, click here.

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COVID-19 DISCLAIMER: As you are aware, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, things are changing quickly and the effect, enforceability and interpretation of laws may be affected by future events. The material set forth in this document is not an unequivocal statement of law, but instead represents our best interpretation of where things stand as of the date of first publication. We have not attempted to address the potential impacts of all local, state and federal orders that may have been issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.