Orders and Policies

Statement by Chief Justice Jensen on the Court System’s Continued Response to the Pandemic

The North Dakota Court System continues to closely monitor federal, state and local responses to the COVID-19 outbreak. We recognize that the pandemic continues to pose a threat to individuals and to present challenges to the administration of the justice system. The health and safety of litigants, judicial officers, court staff, and all who participate in or observe court proceedings continues to be our priority.

Each individual judicial officer has the discretion to conduct court proceedings as he or she determines to be appropriate. Local conditions will dictate whether or not resolution of pending cases should be conducted through written submissions and electronic or telephone appearances in lieu of requiring litigants and others to be personally present at hearings. Similarly, participants in mediation and mediators will individually determine whether to continue using reliable electronic means to conduct mediation sessions. Committee chairs, after considering the input of other committee members and the availability of appropriate facilities, have the discretion to schedule in-person meetings or continue to conduct their meetings through the use of reliable electronic means.

Status of Emergency Orders Issued by the North Dakota Supreme Court and Emergency Orders issued by the Presiding Judges of the District Court

The following emergency orders remain in place until superseded or rescinded:

Administrative Order 33 – Face Coverings - Effective December 1, 2020

Administrative Order 26, as amended – Emergency Bail and Plea Procedure - Effective April 1, 2021

SCJD Policy on Return to In-Person Proceedings - Effective June 3, 2022

NECJD Procedural Order - Covid-19 Courthouse Protocol - Effective September 16, 2022

Cass County Face Mask Policy - Effective September 21, 2021