State limits court activities into March

Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie S. Gildea issued a statewide order effective Feb. 1 that limits in-person activity in courthouses for an additional 45 days and requires remote hearings to the extent possible for all case types. No new criminal or civil jury trials will begin before March 15. Exceptions may be granted for criminal jury trials that meet three criteria: the defendant has requested a speedy trial, the defendant is in custody, and the case involves a felony or nonfelony person crime.