Nearly three months after they closed due to the pandemic, courts are beginning to re-open in Illinois. And that includes the 14th Circuit based in Rock Island.
Wednesday Chief Judge Frank Fuhr announced in-person court hearings have resumed, starting with trying to clear up the backlog of traffic, misdemeanor, child support, and small claims cases.
Then in two weeks, other in person court hearings will get started, and organized so that no more than 10 people will be in the courtroom at any one time.
Judge Fuhr (for) also announced some rules that include:
- wear a face covering,
- maintain social distancing,
- arrive just before the scheduled time, and leave promptly after the hearing is done,
- do not congregate inside or outside of the courtroom,
- and for lawyers, bring only your client, depending on the type of case.
The 14th Judicial Circuit includes Rock Island, Henry, Mercer, and Whiteside counties.
