Minton Creates Task Force to Plan Court Reopening

Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice John D. Minton Jr. announced Friday that he has created three task forces to plan how courts across the state will resume limited in-person services.

According to a press release, Minton has formed three task forces, one each for Circuit, Family and District courts. A Supreme Court justice will head each task force, with judges and circuit clerks from throughout the commonwealth serving as its members. Deputy Chief Justice Lisabeth T. Hughes will chair the Circuit Court Task Force, Justice Debra Hembree Lambert will chair the Family Court Task Force and Justice Michelle M. Keller will chair the District Court Task Force.

During the pandemic state of emergency, court operations are being guided by Administrative Order 2020-28, which remains in effect through May 31, 2020.

“As Kentucky begins to gradually reopen business, the courts must prepare to do the same,” Chief Justice Minton said in an email to the justices, judges, circuit court clerks and court personnel who serve the Judicial Branch. “Although in-person services are suspended until May 31, our next priority is a reopening plan that respects social distancing while allowing greater access to the courts. Please note that this will be a limited, phased approach to ensure the health and safety of our court family and the public.”

Minton encouraged feedback from other judges, circuit clerks and court staff on how best to reopen the courts. He said that one of the main concerns is how to handle traffic flow in court facilities to minimize lines in the Offices of Circuit Court Clerk and avoid large crowds in courtrooms.
 
“This is an unprecedented challenge and I appreciate the justices’ willingness to lead our efforts,” Minton said. “I also appreciate the many judges and circuit clerks who have agreed to serve on the task forces.”

“We’re all in this together and we welcome your suggestions,” Minton added. “We carefully planned how to provide essential services while observing social distancing and I’m confident we will just as carefully prepare to resume in-person services.”