COVID and the Courts: A Look at Boulder County’s Response to the Pandemic

Partner Trip DeMuth authored an article for Colorado Lawyer discussing the impact of the pandemic on the operations of Colorado courthouses and how Boulder County stakeholders devised ways to respond to challenges quickly and creatively.

First, DeMuth describes the initial order regarding COVID-19 from Chief Justice Coats of the Colorado Supreme Court on March 16, 2020, which identified what would and would not be suspended. Within days of the order, Boulder County’s judicial officers broke into teams to address both the old and continuing flow of new business until the courthouse could be reopened, including a variety of solutions.

DeMuth also explores how Boulder County maintained operations, minimized in-person activities and navigated unique challenges caused or aggravated by the pandemic that created additional demands on the courthouse. He further addresses how more matters may be placed on pause in 2021, such as delays in criminal and civil jury trials.

In conclusion, DeMuth commends the collaborative efforts of those in the Boulder County Judicial System to redesign courthouse operations. He adds, “The Boulder Chief Judge continues to work hard to keep Boulder County’s response consistent with the other jurisdictions in Colorado.”