Court systems throughout the world are meeting the challenges resulting from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Southeast Illinois courts are no exception.

The Illinois Supreme Court, which exercises supervisory authority over all courts in Illinois, issued an order in March, mandating the state’s lower courts establish temporary procedures to minimize the negative impacts of the virus, but also continue in providing citizens with access to justice. 

The Second Judicial Circuit has adjusted its operations postponing or continuing jury trials and other non-essential matters but hearing custody, felony, juvenile shelter care and detention hearings, and both emergency and plenary orders of protection as scheduled. Divorce and family emergencies as well as other emergency matters are being heard as needed.

Chief Judge Thomas Tedeschi, whose chambers are in Benton, is the resident circuit judge of Franklin County and presides over the 12 county circuit, which incorporates Crawford, Edwards, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, Wayne and White counties.

“I have always been proud of the courts of the Second Judicial Circuit, but I am especially proud during this time,” Chief Judge Tedeschi said. “All of the court’s judges and staff have worked tirelessly to make sure that we continue to provide access to justice but still operate safely.”

Courts have dealt with emergencies before. When the Spanish flu struck in 1918, the United States Supreme Court curtailed its operations, meeting only to issue necessary orders and continue oral arguments until the crisis had eased. The American justice system cannot just shut down when a virus threatens it – and it has not.

“Despite the unprecedented disruption presented by the coronavirus, Illinois courts and judges have worked nimbly not only to minimize risk, but to keep the system running and ensure the rights of individuals remain upheld,” said Illinois Judges Association President Margaret Mullen. “Illinoisans should be proud.”