The Tennessee Supreme Court has issued an order that will continue to ease current restrictions on in-person proceedings. The most recent order reduces the space required between people in the courtroom from six to three feet; lift the capacity limits of courtrooms still in effect; and raises the requirement for face covers. The ordinance gives judicial districts and the judge the discretion to demand capacity limits for courtrooms based on health and safety conditions. The Order also always encourages face coverings in accordance with CDC guidelines and allows anyone to wear a face cover. Finally, the order encourages courts to continue to use alternative means to in-person hearings, including videoconferencing and teleconferencing.

“Statewide, the courts have done a tremendous job of staying open in these difficult circumstances for over a year and the Supreme Court applauds their innovation, dedication and persistence in upholding our orders, the guidelines of the CDC and state and county health guidelines, ”Chief Justice Jeff Bivins said. “It is time to allow the courts more flexibility in managing their workload and their courtrooms while being aware that the virus is still there. “