We will continue to pass along pertinent information related to the coronavirus crisis as we receive it.
According to a news advisory from the RI Judiciary, as of tomorrow, April 6, state courts will shut down two additional courthouses in response to the COVID-19 public health crisis.
Sunday evening, Rhode Island Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul A. Suttell signed an executive order closing the Noel Judicial Complex (Kent County) in Warwick and the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal in Cranston effective immediately. The closures were ordered for COVID-19 related issues. The Administrative Office of State Courts indicated that the closures may be temporary, but they do not know how long the buildings will be shut.
On April 1, the Chief Justice closed the McGrath Judicial Complex (Washington County) in South Kingstown and the Murray Judicial Complex (Newport County) in Newport in response to the public health crisis. The number of court hearings taking place has been significantly reduced statewide, but it was especially true in Washington County and Newport County. The closures were also an effort to conserve resources and critical supplies to combat the pandemic.
Emergency and essential matters in all counties for Family Court, District Court, and the Traffic Tribunal now may be heard at the Garrahy Judicial Complex, 1 Dorrance Square, Providence. Emergency and essential matters in all counties for Superior Court will now be heard at the Licht Judicial Complex, 250 Benefit St., Providence, with the exception of violation presentments, which will continue to take place at the Garrahy Judicial Complex.
Click here for a copy of the April 5 executive order (No. 2020-08).