In Re Response to Covid-19 Update

Cite as 2020 Ark. 125 SUPREME COURT OF ARKANSAS

IN RE RISPONSE TO THE COVII)- Delivered: March 20. 2020 19 PANDEMIC

PERCURIAM In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Supremc Court of Arkansas

issued a per curiam order on March 17, 2019, suspending in-penon court proceedings and implementing emergency precautions to protect the public from unnecessary risks. k Re Response to the COWD-|9 Pantlemic,2020 Ark. 116 (per curiam). Subsequently, Govemor Hutchinson extended closures within the state due to the evolving nature of this pandemic and public health officials' rccommendations to protect public safety. Today the Supreme Court of Arkansas likewise announces additional measures to protect the public, including the employees oFthe Arkansas judicial branch.

Effective March 19, 2020, at 5:00 p.m., theJustice Building in Little Rock closed to the public and shall remain so until further notice. Notlvithstanding this closure, the Of6ce ofthe Clerk ofthe Supreme Court and Court ofAppeals shall remain open. The previously announced suspcnsion ofin-person proceedings in Arkansas's courts is hereby extended to Friday, April 17,2020.

In addition to the existing authority of the Clerk of the Supreme Court and Coun ofAppeals to grant 6ling extensions, the Clerk may also grant extensions in response to this pandemic. A request for a filing extension will be granted by the Clerk if the grounds for thc extension relate to COVID-19 and the length of the extension is reasonable under the circumstances. Such requests should indicate whether any opposing party has an objection.

This order is to be interpreted broadly for the protection ofthe public, including the employees of the Arkansas judicial branch, Iiom the risks associated with COVID-19. This order applies statewide to all courts and court clerks' offices except administrative courts of the executive branch, federal courts, and federal court clerks' offices located in Arkansas.

It is so ORDEREI).

FOI]. THE COUI\T: