Policy Statement Worcester County - Guidelines for Operation for Civil Sessions During COVID-19 Pandemic

Date:	05/04/2020
Referenced Sources:	Superior Court Protocols by County

Beginning May 18, 2020 and pursuant to SJC order QE-144 effective May 4, 2020 and Superior Court Standing Order 6-20 the Worcester Superior Court Civil sessions A,B, C and D shall follow the following protocol:

I. Effective May 18- 29, 2020

Beginning on May 18^th for two weeks Superior Court shall run one civil session per day on the following schedule: Monday the 18^th session A; Tuesday the 19^th session B; Wednesday the 20^th session C; Thursday the 21^th Session D; Friday the 22^nd No session;

Monday the 25^th Holiday; Tuesday the 26^th session A; Wednesday the 27^th session B; Thursday the 28^th Session C; Friday the 29^th session D.

II. Effective June 1-12, 2020

Beginning on June 1^st for 2 weeks Sessions A and B will sit on Mondays and Wednesday: June 1, 3, 8 and 10; Session C and D will sit on Tuesday and Thursday: June 2, 4, 9, and 11. Fridays will be for preparation and writing.

III. Effective June 15- July 31, 2020

1. Beginning June 15th through July 31^st each session shall hear matters in court Monday –Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with the clerk scheduling 3-5 matters per hour in each session. Matters shall consist of FPTCs, motions of all varieties and status conferences;
2. Afternoons on those days will be used for preparation for hearings and writing;
3. Fridays shall be used for jury waived trials and additional writing time;
4. Dispositive motions will be limited to 3-6 per week.
5. The session clerk and session judge will work closely together to monitor the above schedule and make revisions as needed;

IV. General Provisions

1. This protocol shall become effective on May 18, 2020 and remain in effect through July 31, 2020.
2. All matters are presumed to be by telephone unless the parties request otherwise.