Rutherford County Courts Open for Limited Public Proceedings

The Rutherford County Court System announced Friday changes to its operations effective May 4, 2020.

General Sessions Court (Judicial Building) 116 W. Lytle St.

The Tennessee Supreme Court has approved a plan to partially re-open courts in Rutherford and Cannon County beginning Monday, May 4. The plan provides for screening of all persons entering the judicial facilities and limiting the number of people in any courtroom at any time. Defendants and litigants should contact their attorney or the office of the General Sessions and Circuit Clerk to verify their appointed court date.

Persons cited to Rutherford County General Sessions Court on May 4 should arrive at the Judicial Building at 8:30 am. Only defendants and their attorneys will be admitted into the building. All people entering the building will be screened for temperature. Everyone entering the building is encouraged to wear a mask covering their nose and mouth to prevent spreading any contaminants. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the building. Each courtroom will be wiped down with disinfectant periodically throughout the day.

Persons scheduled for appearance in General Sessions Court should use the stairs and escalator to reach the courtrooms on the second floor. Elevators will be limited and only three people will be allowed on any elevator at a time to allow for appropriate distancing. Benches and seating in each courtroom will be marked to indicate where people will be allowed to sit.

Persons indicted by the March grand jury are scheduled to be arraigned in court Monday, May 4. They will be screened and directed to the appropriate courtroom. Monitors at each courtroom will be present to admit the first ten people into the courtroom and direct remaining defendants to an appropriate waiting area.

A copy of the order approved by the Tennessee Supreme Court is available at http://tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/docs/final_5.1_standing_order_for_16th.5-1.pdf for more detailed information.

***Juvenile Court is excluded from the above operations.***

Questions not addressed by the information above can be directed to the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office or to the presiding judge’s office. Updates to other Rutherford County Offices can be obtained at rutherfordcountytn.gov/covid19.