Court Impact

The coronavirus pandemic is having an impact in Mississippi courtrooms.

The coronavirus pandemic is having an impact in mississippi courtrooms. allie martin has more from monroe county, where judges, attorneys, and staff are using technology and social distancing to ensure the justice system doesn't come to a halt.

District one justice court judge sarah stevens says the coronavirus has led to drastic changes.

"normally, when we conduct court there may be anywhere from 20 people to 150 people in our courtroom on a given day and that's just not safe anymore."

The justice system cannot stop.

People are also constitutionally guaranteed the right to a fair and speedy trial.

This is why extra safety measures are being taken in monroe county courts to make sure cases are being filed and heard.

Nats there are now plexiglass safety barriers to protect staff and the public in justice court offices.

Some cases, like traffic violations, are being continued, but for others, time is of the essence.

"we are making special accommodations for cases involving domestic violence or emergency protective orders, because we know those cases just can't wait, so we're coming in , even if it 's on days we don't have court scheduled to make sure those people aren't pushed back at all and they have immediate access to the courts and a judge."

Standup bridge another change can be seen in the courtroom.

Instead of approaching the bench, parties, or their attorneys can ask questions, or sign papers, right here at this table.

It reduces person to person contact while allowing the court to continue to operate.

"we are working with justice courts all across the state and our clerks are as well, to find new ways for us to safely meet with these people so their cases are heard and they're not unduly delayed in any way by having their case heard or presented before a judge.

" stevens also has weekly zoom conference calls with judges from across the state, where ideas are exchanged and suggestions made to help courts operate as smoothly as possible during these unique times.

In monroe county, allie martin, wcbi news judge stevens is also an attorney in monroe county.

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