District of Delaware Issues Re-Opening Guidelines

The U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware issued Re-Opening Guidelines today, describing a four-phase reopening and providing policies to be followed at each stage. During Phase One, which will begin on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, the Court will continue to minimize in-person proceedings by using video-conferencing and teleconferencing whenever possible. For in-person proceedings, the Court will require participants to strictly adhere to social distancing protocols, wear face coverings, and conform to individualized procedures administered at the discretion of each judicial officer. In-person proceedings will be limited to no more than 10 people, where possible, excluding court personnel. The Court does not expect to hold any jury trials during Phase One.

Upon entering Phase Two, which will occur after the completion of still-to-be-determined criteria, the Court will continue to use video-conferencing and teleconferencing when feasible and will begin holding jury trials. Further details will be forthcoming on how those jury trials will proceed. During Phase Three, on-site court proceedings may fully resume, subject to the discretion of the presiding judge. Court activities will resume in full with no restrictions at Phase Four.

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