CONCORD – The state judicial system has announced that Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Gary E. Hicks has ordered the suspension of all in-court proceedings extended through May 25.

“Subject to exceptions, all in-person proceedings in the circuit (district), superior and Supreme Courts are suspended through Monday, May 25, or the last day of a declared State of Emergency,” Hicks wrote in the order.

The order “expressly encourages judges and clerks to conduct court proceedings by telephone, video, teleconferencing, email, or other remote means that do not involve in-person contact,” he wrote, adding that courthouses will remain open on a restricted basis, but the clerks’ offices will be closed to the general public.

In the meantime, people can access information in case files by contacting the court information center at 855-212-1234. Those with access to the e-filing portal can view files electronically.

Hicks said courthouses will remain open for parties of scheduled hearings or for filing for emergency relief. Assistance regarding court cases or how to file for emergency relief is available by contacting the information center.

Each court also has a drop box where people can deliver documents.

Exceptions to the order prohibiting in-person court proceedings include:

Proceedings necessary to protect constitutional rights of criminal defendants; to protect the public on an interim or emergency basis from a substantial threat of serious harm posed by the conduct of an attorney or judge; those related to petitions for temporary emergency relief; and those directly related to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Any questions can be directed to the information center. More information, and Supreme Court orders, are available at www.courts.state.nh.us/aoc/corona-covid-19.html#orders

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