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:

III. Effective June 15- September 8th, 2020

1. Beginning June 15th through September 8th 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. All matters are presumed to be by telephone unless the parties request otherwise.