Delaware County’s courts are opening on a limited basis starting today, June 1, according to a statement from Delaware County President Judge Kevin Kelly.

The criminal, civil and family trial court at the Media Courthouse will resume normal judicial operations, including in-person hearings.

There will be staggered start schedules, hourly caps on the number of cases heard and an aggregate number of matters listed daily.

The courts will also continue the practice put in effect when the pandemic crisis started to hear emergency concerns in a timely manner.

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has directed that judicial districts “accomplish the administration of justice,” prompting the reopening, with adherence to public health safety guidelines.

“…This court…has developed a plan realizing the equilibrium between the upmost concern of the judiciary for the safety of the court staff, all counsel, every litigant, the various witnesses of the parties, and the public generally, while also being mindful of the necessity to once more provide with regularity for the timely administration of justice,” Judge Kelly wrote.

The next step, when appropriate, will be to expand trial court operations at the courthouse and reopen district courts to process in-person legal matters.

Public health rules at the courthouse

Only counsel, the parties, and witnesses will be permitted inside the court house. Those permitted entry should arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.

Anyone arriving earlier will not be allowed in to limit needless loitering and foot traffic.

Those who now have courthouse access, including credentialed press members, can find more details about rules regarding their access by clicking here.

Anyone entering the courthouse must undergo a security and health screening, including having their temperature taken. Those who don’t pass the health assessment will be denied entry.

Domestic Relations

Domestic Relations master’s and judge’s hearings are still cancelled, except with advanced notice from the court to interested parties.  Contempt and establishment conferences will continue to be done by phone.

To read President Judge Kelly’s entire statement and to find out more details about the various aspects of the court reopening, click here.