Legal Alerts

Court Operations During COVID-19

As most of you know, the number of COVID-19 cases are spiking throughout the United States, including the Kansas City, St. Louis and Springfield, Missouri metropolitan areas. Several courts have recently issued orders suspending jury trials and in-person court operations in light of the spread of COVID-19. Below is a summary of how the courts in Missouri and Kansas are responding to the pandemic at this point in time.

United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri:
The United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri has continued all jury trials between now and January 4, 2021. All non-emergency civil hearings are also continued until January 4, 2021.

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri:
All civil proceedings are to be conducted remotely, including all court ordered mediations. Jury trials are generally continued until after December 31st.

United States District Court for the District of Kansas:
The United States District Court for the District of Kansas has suspended all civil jury trials until January 4, 2021.

Missouri State Courts:
Most Missouri state courts have yet to issue any updated orders regarding trials and in-person hearings. The following is a link that you can use to determine the status of operation and jury trials for each county — https://www.courts.mo.gov/pandemic/.

Johnson County, Kansas District Court:
All in-person hearings and trials have been suspended until after January 8th. This is partly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the fact that the new Johnson County Courthouse will be opening in January and all court personnel will be moving into the new courthouse.

We hope that you find this information helpful. We will continue to do our best to keep you apprised of the status of court operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.