Federal Courts In Mass. Delay Trials To End Of April

Massachusetts federal courts are delaying jury trials scheduled to begin before April 27 in order to protect public health, limit large gatherings and reduce unnecessary travel amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Individual judges can still hold hearings, conferences and bench trials but are encouraged to use telephone or video conferencing where possible.

Court officials are also barring anyone who has recently traveled to China, Italy, Iran, Japan and South Korea from entering the federal courthouses or probation offices in the state.