It's Time to Close the Courthouses!

After reading as much as possible about the COVID-19 virus, and its transmission, it is clear that the virus will not be stopped any time soon. The virus spreads between people who are in close contact with one another through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. In addition, there is evidence that you may be able to get the virus by simply breathing in the same air. Let's not forget you can also get it by touching an infected person (handshake, fist bump, etc.) or something they have touched.

It is critical that we do everything we can NOW, to SLOW the spread of the virus, lest we follow Italy's example and overwhelm our health professionals and hospitals. Unfortunately, Italy didn't take the virus seriously until it was too late. Now, Italy has nearly 25,000 cases and more than 1,800 people have died. That's a seven percent mortality rate!

Every county in Missouri has a circuit court, and the City of St. Louis has its own circuit. In total, there are 115 circuit courts. I have been to eighty-nine (89) of them, and I can tell you it is not unusual to see packed courtrooms, with litigants sitting shoulder to shoulder in small courtrooms.

Unfortunately, only a small number of the 115 circuit courts have taken the steps needed to protect the public, the attorneys, bailiffs, court clerks, jurors, security personnel, judges, litigants, witnesses, and other court employees.

It appears to me that the overriding concern of some judges may be to “keep the courts open to ensure justice for the citizens of the community.” However, there are only a few situations where justice in the courthouse can’t wait, especially when it comes to matters of life and death.

PS. I am not writing this in my capacity as a Governor for the Missouri Bar Association. These views are mine.