In an order issued May 27, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court announced that the state-wide judicial emergency shall end as of June 1.

However, local emergency orders, including orders which affect calculations of deadlines, remain in effect until they expire on their own terms or are rescinded. The Supreme Court’s order also gives authority to president judges of county courts to extend or declare local judicial emergencies.

President Judge Edward D. Reibman of the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas extended the judicial emergency currently in effect through June 30, by declaration dated May 29. In the state of judicial emergency, all proceedings shall be conducted remotely by phone or webcam where feasible. Any in-person proceedings are postponed until July 1, and are limited to 25 people, or 10 people for Magisterial District Court. Jury trials remain suspended until August 3.

The Northampton County Court of Common Pleas is open to the public as of June 1. However, social distancing measures are being strictly enforced, and all visitors will be required to wear masks and are subject to temperature checks.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Order: http://www.pacourts.us/assets/files/page-1305/file-9376.pdf

Lehigh County Order: https://www.lccpa.org/Covid19/May29-DeclarationJudicialEmergency.pdf

Northampton County Court of Common Pleas Announcement: https://www.nccpa.org/