In the best interest of the public amidst the coronavirus pandemic, there will be new limitations at the Christian County Justice Center beginning Monday. The action comes after the Supreme Court of Kentucky issued an Order Thursday to protect the health and safety of court employees, elected officials and the general public.
Circuit Judges John Atkins and Andrew Self, along with District Judge Lindsey Adams held a news conference at the Justice Center Friday morning in response to the Chief Justice’s Order. Judge Atkins says Thursday night the Chief Justice preempted any local activity as to how to deal with the coronavirus by signing an order that restricts the operations of the court through April 10.
Judge Atkins says they want to reassure the public the judges have their best interest at heart.
Judge Akins adds they wholeheartedly support the Chief Justice’s Order as far as controlling dockets and the size of groups in the courtroom, but they have taken things a little farther including vacating the Circuit and District Court jury trials.
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Judge Atkins says Circuit Court Clerk Paige Parker will be informing people ahead of time that they do not need to come to court and let them know when they do need to report. He adds staff at the Justice Center will all be available for any questions the public may have.
In addition, Judge Atkins says they want to make sure people don’t panic, and he has heard that people think the government is going overboard regarding the coronavirus pandemic. However, he says the government is trying to be proactive to keep it from spreading and creating a larger problem.
Judge Adams says this is not a shutdown of the Justice Center, but a docket management measure.
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He adds emergency orders and cases involving inmates will still be on the docket.
Judge Self says this is a very serious issue but they want to make sure the matters that are necessary get done but the unnecessary matters can be continued to another date.
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Again, the judges stress if you are unsure your case is still on the docket, please call the Justice Center.
For the complete order issued by the Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice in response to COVID-19, click here.
