A. State
On September 23, 2020, New Jersey State Courts entered “Phase 2.5” of their Post Pandemic Plan. Previously, the Courts were in “Phase 2” which saw between 15-20% of Judges and staff on site. Those percentages were set to increase to between 50-75% in “Phase 3.”
However, based on current health trends, the Courts will not move directly from “Phase 2” to “Phase 3.” Rather, the Courts will now transition into a “Phase 2.5.” This new transitional phase will limit the number of Judges and staff on-site to a maximum of 25%.
In short, New Jersey Superior and Municipal Courts are slowly resuming some in-person services. However, approximately 75% of Judges and staff continue to work remotely.
B. Federal
For the New Jersey District Court, all civil and criminal jury selections and trials are postponed until Jan. 4. Judges can continue to hold proceedings at their discretion and are encouraged to conduct proceedings remotely. New grand juries may be impaneled and sitting grand juries may continue to meet. Those who have tested positive for the coronavirus, have symptoms or may have been exposed to the virus are prohibited from entering any district courthouse.