Supreme Court of Arkansas
In Re Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic
November 20, 20202020 Ark. 384
Summary
The court issued statewide emergency protocols in response to increased COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. It suspended jury trials that had not begun until January 15, 2021, required other hearings to continue through safe in-person or remote means, directed review of certain prolonged criminal cases for possible bond adjustments, and authorized remote participation or continuances for individuals at heightened medical risk. Pandemic-related delays in criminal trials were deemed good cause and excluded from speedy-trial calculations.