A. State
On March 16, 2020, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania declared a statewide judicial emergency due to the national pandemic. However, this emergency ended on June 1, 2020. Since June 1, 2020, President Judges have been given wide discretion as to when jury trials will resume in their respective judicial districts.
B. Federal
In the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the court is in an initial test period for jury trials and anticipates that no more than five jury trials will be conducted between Oct. 30 and Dec. 31. All other criminal and civil jury trials scheduled to start before Dec. 31 are postponed. Access to courthouses is limited to judges, court personnel and those attending court proceedings or who have other official business with the court. Those who have tested positive for the coronavirus, have symptoms or may have been exposed to the virus are prohibited from entering courthouses. Courthouse visitors must wear a face mask when entering the building and when in public areas of the courthouse. Face masks will be provided for visitors who do not have their own.
In the Western District of Pennsylvania, all civil and criminal jury selections and trials scheduled to begin before Feb. 8, 2021, are postponed until further notice, although the court intends to conduct one or more civil jury trials in each division of the court on an initial basis from November through January. All trial-specific deadlines remain in effect unless altered by the presiding judge. Judges are encouraged to handle proceedings remotely. Criminal matters before magistrate judges may continue, and naturalization proceedings may continue in conformity with public health advisories.
In the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the court began a phased reopening, which it is monitoring on a 15-day evaluation cycle. Various types of criminal proceedings may be conducted remotely. Face masks are required in public areas of the courthouse.