What It Means: Pennsylvania’s Judicial Emergency to End June 1

By Salvia Yi, Esq.

On May 27, 2020, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court declared that the statewide judicial emergency will end as of June 1, 2020. Notwithstanding, the President Judges in each county are authorized to extend or declare local judicial emergencies should they deem it necessary to protect the health and safety of their court personnel, court users, and members of the public.

Per the Court’s Order, a President Judge is also empowered to do any or all of the following:

• Limit in-person access and proceedings
• Suspend statewide rules that restrict, directly or indirectly, the use of advanced communication technologies
• Suspend statewide rules that impede local provision for court filings by means other than in-person delivery
• Suspend statewide rules pertaining to the rule-based right of criminal defendants to a prompt trial
• Suspend jury trials

The Court further states that this Order does not affect any administrative orders issued by the intermediate appellate courts nor the emergency orders entered by local courts. Accordingly, any time calculations and deadlines provided in these orders will remain in full force until they expire or are rescinded.

Gawthrop Greenwood and its team of lawyers will continue to review legislation and governmental decisions as they unfold, as we are committed to providing guidance to our clients. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at 610-696-8225.