“Today’s order will allow us to drastically reduce the exposure caused by crowded sessions of court,” said Chief Justice Cheri Beasley said in a press statement.
The North Carolina Supreme Court has directed district and superior courts to postpone most cases for a month or more in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The order goes into effect today.
“Today’s order will allow us to drastically reduce the exposure caused by crowded sessions of court, which often bring hundreds of people at a time into our courthouses,” Chief Justice Cheri Beasley said in a press statement.
There are a few exceptions to the emergency decree, which Beasley said are necessary to ensure due process rights would not be violated: Bond, probation and probable cause hearings, as well as domestic violence protection orders and cases where a jury has already been empaneled.
North Carolina has also suspended all prison visitations to prevent the spread of the virus in the vulnerable population, where it could quickly spread due to close quarters and sanitary challenges.
Politics
Supreme Court hears oral arguments in major abortion access case
The Supreme Court on Tuesday heard oral arguments on a case that will ultimately decide the future of mifepristone access in the United States. ...
Trump’s threats to repeal the Affordable Care Act would devastate North Carolina
The Affordable Care Act expanded access to healthcare for millions of Americans. A second Trump presidency could end that progress, especially in...
Local News
Good News Friday: An adorable NC bunny is auditioning to be Cadbury Creme Egg’s star
Our weekly roundup of the good news from all over NC includes a seriously ambitious rabbit in Onslow County. Plus: A high school basketball star...
VIDEO: President Biden Proposes a 25% Tax on Billionaires to Help Fund Programs for All Americans
What do YOU think about Biden’s plan to tax billionaires to fund affordable childcare, paid family leave, and better home care and elder care...