The dangers of the Coronavirus are overtaking the right to a speedy trial in Tennessee.
Officials at the state’s various local, state, and federal courts have, among thing, postponed jury trials.
Because of the need for social distancing, there are far fewer available jurors to choose from.
At the federal level, Middle District Court of Tennessee officials now forbid access to people who have traveled to certain countries within the past two weeks, according to its website.
But for the cases that must go on, at least at Nashville’s Metropolitan General Sessions Court, staff are taking unusual measures to make sure no one spreads the coronavirus.
“Court security is enforcing the six feet (rule) between each person sitting in the courtroom,” said Court Administrator Warner Hassell in an email to The Tennessee Star Tuesday.
“Only necessary parties are allowed in the courtroom.”
Courts throughout Tennessee have released the following guidelines during the coronavirus emergency:
• U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee: Per the court’s website, all civil and criminal jury selections and jury trials scheduled to commence between now and March 27 are adjourned until further notice. Courthouses in the Western District, though, will remain open for all other business.
• U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee: According to that court’s website, court officials have denied access to anyone who has traveled to China, South Korea, Iran, the United Kingdom and other several other countries in Europe the past two weeks. Civil and criminal jury selections and jury trials scheduled to commence between now and March 30 are adjourned until further notice. Criminal matters scheduled before magistrate judges, such as initial appearances, arraignments, detention hearings, and the issuance of warrants, shall continue to take place in the ordinary course of business.
• U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee: According to a press release from court officials, all civil and criminal jury trials scheduled to commence from March 16 through April 24 before any district or magistrate judge are adjourned, except as otherwise ordered by the presiding judge. Jury trials are adjourned through April 24. Cases not scheduled for a jury trial during this period will continue as scheduled.
• Shelby County Court: If you have a court date between March 16 to March 31 then you do not need to appear in court. A court official will reset your case, according to that court’s website.
• Knox County Courts: The Knox County Circuit Court and Civil Sessions Clerks’ offices will remain open during regular business hours for the foreseeable future. Due to the recent public health situation, however, court officials urge users to limit visits to the clerks’ offices, according to the court’s website.
• Howard Gentry Criminal Court Clerk, Nashville: Court officials will move cases where the defendant is not currently in custody to a later date, according to that court’s website.
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Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected].
