In Re Response to Covid-19 Pandemic

Summary

The Supreme Court of Arkansas issued a statewide emergency order suspending in-person proceedings in appellate, circuit, and district courts from March 18 through April 3, 2020, subject to specified exceptions. The court relied on its constitutional superintending authority and required courts to preserve constitutional rights, essential functions, and access to time-sensitive proceedings. The order also authorized remote technology, suspended jury summonses through May 1, canceled appellate oral arguments, and deemed pandemic-related trial delays presumptively good cause for speedy-trial purposes.