Nebraska’s Judicial Branch plays a vital role in the life of every Nebraskan.

While some of our physical spaces have been forced to shutter by the coronavirus, the work of Nebraska’s courts, probation offices, and all programming has continued. The essential functions of the Judicial Branch move forward despite the physical limitations of Directed Health Measures.

May is National Drug Court Month.  All month long Nebraska problem-solving courts join more than 4,000 treatment courts across the country to celebrate lives, families, and resources saved by this vital justice reform. In his signed Proclamation Governor Pete Ricketts proclaimed the Month of May 2020 as Drug Court Month in Nebraska. 

The Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation assembled at the State Capitol (and beyond) to create a video Law Day greeting for judges and coworkers across the state. The video is designed to show appreciation to members of the Judicial Branch who accomplished amazing feats that had not been contemplated as the year began. Together, members of the Judicial Branch demonstrated an incredible ability to make things happen.

In a courtroom devoid of the usual noise of shifting paper and shuffling feet, Chief Justice Mike Heavican called the Nebraska Supreme Court to order at 9:00 a.m. on March 31, 2020. Respecting the health and safety of court users and staff, the Nebraska Supreme Court conducted oral arguments via conference call in April. Only the bailiff, Allyson Stewart, technology staff Anh Nguyen, and Deputy Administrator Jennifer Rasmussen attended the proceeding in person.  

This page is used for informing the public about developments in court, court office, and probation service emergencies. This emergency website will be updated regularly throughout situations where the emergency service interruptions are in effect.

Below is the Administrative Order signed April 6, 2020, by Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Heavican regarding Novel Coronavirus and COVID-19 Disease.

Read the Second Order:  4.6.20 - Administrative Order Regarding Novel Coronavirus and COVID-19 Disease

For just over 40 years, the Nebraska Supreme Court has held oral argument sessions at the Creighton University School of Law. Over the years, argument sessions have moved from fall to spring. The October 2, 1979, edition of the Omaha World-Herald announced the Court’s first session visit with the headline, “State Supreme Court to Hold Sessions Here!”

The Justices of the Nebraska Supreme Court held arguments at Northwest High School on March 5 in conjunction with National Judicial Outreach week. 

Bookended by standing ovations, Chief Justice Mike Heavican accepted his State Bar Foundation Public Service award from longtime friend and former colleague, Judge John Colborn.

During Emergencies, Courts are Essential: