A Message from Judge Judith H. Ramseyer,
Bench-Bar-Press Fire Brigade Chief
RE: Open Court Guidelines During Pandemic Limitations
July 27, 2020
Colleagues,
Attached are Guidelines to help courts maintain open court access as we adjust to pandemic-related public health demands. The Guidelines describe the contours of open court law, identify alternatives being used by courts to maintain public access to court proceedings, and offer suggestions for adapting modalities to specific circumstances. An important take-away is that the demand for public access may change from proceeding to proceeding. The unique attributes and resources of the court will dictate the appropriate response. Judges must be flexible and able to represent the interest of the public in open access if no one is present to advocate on the public's behalf.
The Guidelines have been prepared by the Fire Brigade of the Bench Bar Press Committee, with much appreciation for the contributions of "Brigadiers" Judge David Kurtz, Snohomish County; Judge Lesley Allan, Chelan County; Judge John Ruhl, King County. Special thanks to Chief Justice Debra Stephens, Bench Bar Press Committee Chair, for her thoughtful review and leadership during this unprecedented challenge to our courts.
Judith H. Ramseyer
Fire Brigade Chief, Bench Bar Press Committee King County Superior Court
