Even as courts across the state are taking precautions to protect staff and court users from unnecessary exposure to COVID-19, Douglas County finds itself with Coronavirus within their legal community.  The state's largest courthouse has been following recommended guidelines including restricting access to the courtrooms, limiting hearings, continuing arraignments, trials and time payments, and asking health questions of those who come into the building. News stories regarding exposure are found at the end of this article.

Although the majority of the news stories on courthouses and Coronavirus are coming from the eastern portion of the state, all of Nebraska’s courts are struggling to find new ways to operate. “You feel like you are recreating the wheel for everything you do, and the stress is compounded by the expectations of the public,” noted Hall County Clerk of the District Court Valorie Bendixen. Grand Island is managing their regular cases while preparing for a complex murder trial with a jury.  Bendixen noted that a jury summons – even for an appearance months in advance – provokes a range of responses from recipients. Potential jurors call the clerk’s office to express their anxiety or their anger.  Bendixen responds calmly to both, understanding the community’s concern.  “Everyone is experiencing this, we are no different,” noted Bendixen.  “This is hard for everyone.”

Chief Justice’s Open Court Order

Links to News Stories from Omaha:

• Omaha Daily Record: Courts Doing Good Job Adapting to Pandemic
• KMTV: Douglas Co. Courthouse; Jail make changes due to virus 
• KETV: Douglas County Courthouse will stay open despite COVID-19 exposure from prosecutor