|
In the event of an outbreak of infectious disease in a community, the court may find it necessary to adopt the procedures discussed supra ยง 7.11 to ensure that an individual subject to an isolation or quarantine order does not expose court personnel to the disease. In certain circumstances, such as when the outbreak has affected large numbers of persons in the community or the infectious disease is easily transmitted through airborne droplets, the court may need to limit public access to the courtroom. In extreme circumstances, the court itself may need to relocate to a non-affected area to ensure its continued operation.
7.21 Relocation of Court
A. Relocation of Hearings at Judicial Discretion. Trials upon the merits must be conducted in open court and so far as convenient in a regular courtroom. CR 77(j). However, all other acts or proceedings may be conducted without the attendance of the clerk or other court officials and at any place either within or without the county. Id. No hearing, except an ex parte hearing, may be conducted outside the county without the consent of all affected parties. Id.
B. Relocation by Mutual Agreement of County Council and Judges. Regular and special sessions of the King County Superior Court may be held at such places within the county other than the county seat as may be mutually agreed upon by the council and the judges of the superior court. KCC 2.69.010. Approval of an alternate location must be by motion of the county council endorsing a memorandum proposal submitted to the chair of the county council by the presiding judge. KCC 2.69.030.
| 
