A federal lawsuit that seeks to evaluate how the Connecticut judicial branch handled court operations during the pandemic is expected to continue, even though some courthouses have started to reopen.
Eight courthouses across the state that had been closed for several months will resume most operations on July 20. Some activities will remain virtual, but officials are looking for ways to resume jury trials in courthouses.
In the lawsuit, Bridgeport lawyer Robert Berke claims that the way court operations have been conducted during the pandemic is unconstitutional. He wants the federal court to stop a state policy that requires private lawyers to appear in person for court hearings, while public defenders can appear by video conference.
