Atmore District Court was in session Monday and Flomaton Municipal Court will resume its normal schedule in June on the first and third Tuesdays of each month after the Alabama Supreme Court lifted its restrictions on in-person court hearings.
However, the high court's administrative order left in place an order stating that jury trials will remain suspended until Sept. 14.
Although the court system has never been closed, the COVID-19 pandemic forced restrictions on most in-person court proceedings.
Escambia County Presiding Circuit Judge Dave Jordan sent a letter to members of the Escambia County Bar Association concerning guidelines under the new order.
“The bench is very cognizant of the compelling need for rules and guidelines to govern safety as we proceed,” Judge Jordan wrote. “We have formulated rules, that will be enforced, for each courtroom. We will limit the number of people allowed in a particular courtroom per the governor's Safer at Home order and the CDC guidelines.”
Jordan said tape is being used in the large courtroom in Brewton to keep the 6-foot spacing in place. He also said anyone not adhering to the rules may be removed from the courtroom.
“One issue with social distancing in the courtroom concerns the need for a party to sit closely enough to his or her attorney to speak confidentially with him or her,” Jordan stated. “To speak 'out of earshot' as it were. The judges will not interfere with that right and we'll have to proceed together to work those issues out.”
Jordan also said there will be issues with family groups who reside in the same household who'll want to sit together.
“Those issues will be addressed case by case and you should seek guidance on such from the judge on the case,” Jordan wrote to the bar members.
Jordan also said the county has agreed to insure the courtrooms are sanitized frequently with the benches and chairs being wiped down after use. He said judges will attempt to shorten court days and possibly adjourn by 3:30 p.m. to allow the county employees adequate time for cleaning.
