Allegheny, Westmoreland courts prepping for safe return to more normal schedules

The ornate courtroom occupied by Westmoreland County Judge Christopher Feliciani has for decades been a frequent tour stop for visitors at the century-­old courthouse building in Greensburg.

Ornate plaster, colorful paintings on the ceiling and dark wood moldings now have new company in the age of the coronavirus pandemic — Plexiglas.

County workers this week installed numerous clear plastic shields around the judge’s bench, in front of tables used by lawyers and in other locations that separate court staff. More barriers are expected to be added in the coming days.

“We only have so much control with people, so I felt it was prudent to have some barriers,” Feliciani said.

Judges throughout the courthouse instituted a series of safety measures to varying degrees as court officials prepare for what is expected to be a return to expanded operations in June. In addition to plastic shields, judges ordered some seat cushions overturned to promote social distancing. Court hearings will be staggered throughout the day to limit the number of people in the courthouse and in courtrooms.

County courts since mid-March have been restricted to emergency functions mostly conducted with few lawyers in attendance. A majority of the criminal proceedings included inmates who attended via videoconferencing from the county jail.

Over the past several weeks, court functions slowly increased as pretrial hearings and in-person guilty pleas for defendants not in jail started to appear on the schedule.

Court administrators said judges are expected to have more robust schedules next month. On June 3, 80 cases, mostly expedited guilty pleas, are already on the docket.

No jury trials are scheduled in June, and officials still are planning how those can resume amid social distancing requirements that are expected to be in place this summer.

“The state has put together a task force on jury trials, and we will be working with them,” said Westmoreland County Court Administrator Amy DeMatt.

In Allegheny County, similar precautions are being discussed. District Court Administrator Christopher Connors said safety measures will include social distancing in courtrooms, staggered hearings and some physical barriers as court activity ramps up in early June.

Westmoreland officials said masks will be required in the courtrooms. It’s a requirement Feliciani said is necessary but one that may be problematic as it could hinder communications.

Feliciani has worn a mask while on the bench but said installation of plastic barriers will enable him to go without a face covering during court proceedings.

“What I was having trouble with in wearing the masks was communicating with defendants and attorneys. The barriers will make it easier,” Feliciani said.

Safety measures also will be in place outside the courtrooms.

Sheriff’s deputies will monitor areas where court participants congregate in hallways to ensure social distancing, Clerk of Courts Bryan Kline said.