Updated 3/16/20
The State Supreme Court suspended all in-person court proceedings Friday after a state of emergency was declared by Governor Bill Lee.
The decision means that all Tennessee courts will remain open during the coronavirus outbreak, but judicial proceedings with individuals physically present in the courtroom will be suspended through March 31st.
After the announcement, Giles County’s law enforcement agencies called on members of the public and their legal representative to reschedule their upcoming court appearances.
According to a statement from the Tennessee Department of Justice, the order includes a many exceptions including proceedings necessary to protect constitutional rights of criminal defendants, such as bond-related matters and plea agreements for incarcerated individuals; civil and criminal jury trials that are in progress as of March 13th.
This also includes proceedings relating to orders of protection; proceedings related to emergency child custody orders; Department of Children’s Services emergency matters related to child protection; proceedings related to petitions for temporary injunctive relief; proceedings related to emergency mental health orders; proceedings related to emergency protection of elderly or vulnerable persons; and proceedings directly related to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
