IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLORADO
COURT OPERATIONS DURING DISTRICT COURT GENERAL ORDER
THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC - 2020-11
GRAND JUNCTION AND
COLORADO SPRINGS
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 outbreak remains a national public health emergency, the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), the Colorado Department of Public Health
and Environment, and the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment continue to
advise taking measures to slow the spread of the disease and precautions to reduce the possibility
of exposure to the virus;
WHEREAS, this Court continues to evaluate its response to the spread of COVID-19 and
recognizes the need to assist in the preservation of public safety and health while effectively
administering justice during the COVID-19 pandemic;
WHEREAS, federal, state, and local health agencies continue to recommend that
organizations and institutions comply with applicable recommendations of the CDC and other
health agencies, including the wearing of masks or face coverings, physical distancing of
individuals, and other protective measures;
WHEREAS, the Wayne Aspinall Federal Building and United States Courthouse in
Grand Junction, Colorado houses a historic courtroom and other rooms that are insufficient in
size and cannot be configured to meet social distancing requirements for certain types of court
proceedings;
WHEREAS, the United States courtroom in Colorado Springs, Colorado is insufficient in
size and cannot be configured to meet social distancing requirements for certain types of court
proceedings;
It is hereby ORDERED that, effective August 3, 2020 and until further order of this
Court:
1) No civil or criminal trial requiring a jury of 10 or more jurors (including alternate
jurors) shall be held in the Wayne Aspinall Courthouse. Parties may request that the
presiding judge determine whether a non-jury trial or trial to a jury of less than 10
may safely proceed in the Courthouse. If so, such trials may proceed in accordance
with social distancing and other appropriate measures to ensure the safety of all
participants.
2) The grand jury for Jury Division 3 shall not be convened until further order of the
Court.
3) No civil or criminal trial requiring a jury of 10 or more jurors (including alternate
jurors) shall be held in the Court’s Colorado Springs courtroom. Parties may request
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that the presiding judge determine whether a non-jury trial or trial to a jury of less
than 10 may safely proceed in the courtroom. If so, such trials may proceed in
accordance with social distancing and other appropriate measures to ensure the safety
of all participants.
Dated at Denver, Colorado this 2nd day of July, 2020.
BY THE COURT
PHILIP A. BRIMMER
Chief United States District Judge
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