The Clallam County Superior Court has issued the COVID-19 Protection Plan order, which covers general policies, employee policies, and juror policies during the pandemic times.
Personal protection and physical distancing requirements are posted at the entrance to the Clallam County Courthouse, and must be followed. Face masks are required in the court (and disposable masks are available if you can’t afford your own). Personal appearances are an option for court room hearings, however they are discouraged. The judges are working hard to accommodate Zoom appearances by computer or phone. The court rooms have been reconfigured to create 6 foot distancing and thus seating is restricted. Unless you are with your family members, everyone is required to stay 6 feet apart. Anyone showing signs of illness are prohibited from entering courtrooms or superior court offices.
Juror policies have been amended to provide additional protection for people who have concerns about participating at this time. Please read your juror notices carefully as they include the details about being excused from service because of COVID-19 virus concerns. With that said, the criminal justice system cannot function without jurors. The judges have dramatically altered the layout of the courtrooms to create 6 foot distances between each juror chair. They have implemented other policies to do everything they can to protect jurors and keep the justice system operating.
To see the full COVID-19 Protection Order signed by Chief Judge Brent Basden:
Editor’s note: Our judges and court clerks have been doing a great job of being respectful to all parties and accommodating in-person court appearances and juror concerns. If you have questions, just contact the court clerk, and they will be happy to hear your concerns. We are in this for the long haul. It’s OUR justice system, please be patient and do your part to pitch in help keep our justice system functioning and safe.
