September 15 Omnibus Order Extends Emergency Directives

We have posted regularly during the COVID-19 pandemic about emergency directives entered by the Chief Justice pursuant to G.S. 7A-39(b)(2) that establish procedures and protocols governing the continuing operation of the courts. Last month’s post reviewed the status of directives then in place, noting their varying expiration dates. Last week, the Chief Justice entered an omnibus renewal order, which included all emergency directives currently in effect and placed all but one of them on the same expiration cycle. This post will briefly review those directives and other aspects of the September 15, 2020 order. All of the emergency directives discussed below and included in the Chief Justices’ latest order -- other than Emergency Directive 6 -- expire October 15, 2020. Emergency Directive 6 expires September 30, 2020. Emergency Directive 2. This directive requires the posting of notices at court facilities directing that any person who has likely been exposed to COVID-19 should not enter the courthouse. Emergency Directive 3. This directive (discussed in more detail here) authorizes judicial officials to conduct proceedings that include remote audio and video transmissions notwithstanding other provisions of law. Emergency Directive 4. This directive provides that attorneys and other persons who do not have business in a courthouse should not enter the courthouse and encourages attorneys to submit filings by mail. Emergency Directive 5. This directive permits verification of pleadings and other documents by affirmation of the subscriber. Emergency Directive 6. This directive permits service required by Rule 5 of the Rules of Civil Procedure to [...]