New York State Courts Cancel Jury Trials, Impose Other Limitations in Response to Coronavirus

As other courts have done, the New York state courts have implemented procedures limiting courthouse access in response to public health concerns. The limitations affecting the Commercial Division that take effect on Monday, March 16, 2020, include:

Civil jury trials in which opening statements have not commenced shall be postponed until further notice; civil jury trials already commenced shall continue to conclusion.
Unless otherwise directed by the court in exceptional circumstances, all motions in civil matters shall be taken on submission. When permitted, argument should be conducted by Skype or other remote means whenever possible.
Individual assignment preliminary conference and compliance conference calendars shall be managed with a goal of minimizing courthouse appearances, maximizing adjournments and stipulations on consent, and directing remote appearances through Skype or telephone.