This information is released on the morning of March 17. Further updates are expected in coming days and weeks. We will provide updates.

The court system in Lancaster County will remain functional, and individuals with court-related matters should expect them to happen as scheduled.

However, there are modifications and restrictions in place, so anyone with an attorney is encouraged to contact that attorney for guidance.

Lancaster County President Judge David Ashworth filed a declaration (attached below) and spoke at a meeting at the Lancaster County Building Tuesday morning about impact on the court system.

Here are some things President Judge Ashworth covered:

• The Court of Commons Pleas (on North Duke Street) remains open, along with district courts across Lancaster County.
• Jury trials, criminal and civil, are suspended until April 14. Jurors will not be empaneled/selected.
• Video conferencing and other technological devices will be used in efforts to limit in-person proceedings.
• A Pennsylvania Supreme Court order allows for flexibility, meaning further modifications could happen going forward.

As for whether the courthouse and/or district courts will close, President Judge Ashworth said:

“At this point, [they are] not closed. That is a possibility going forward, following the direction of our Supreme Court.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright