FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Supreme Court on Wednesday entered two new Administrative Orders that further extend restrictions on jury trials, grand juries, show cause dockets, judicial sales and in-person meetings of Kentucky Court of Justice committees, commissions, task forces and boards.
This action was necessary to address the continued surge of COVID-19 cases across the commonwealth, according to a news release from the court.
Administrative Order 2021-01 replaces Administrative Order 2020-71 and Administrative Order 2021-02 replaces Administrative Order 2020-72. The orders:
Ø Postpone all jury trials until April 1, 2021.
Ø Require grand juries to either be conducted remotely or suspended.
Ø Postpone all show cause dockets until April 1, 2021.
Ø Require judicial sales to be conducted either remotely or outside and in accordance with CDC guidelines.
- Postpone all in-person meetings of KCOJ committees, commissions, task forces, boards and other administrative bodies until April 1, 2021.
Supreme Court of Kentucky
The Supreme Court is the state court of last resort and the final interpreter of Kentucky law. Seven justices sit on the Supreme Court and all seven rule on appeals that come before the court. The justices are elected from seven appellate districts and serve eight-year terms. A chief justice, chosen for a four-year term by fellow justices, is the administrative head of the state’s court system and is responsible for its operation. The Supreme Court may order a ruling or opinion to be published, which means that the ruling becomes the case law governing all similar cases in the future in Kentucky.