Court hearings, trials in Tennessee’s First Judicial District to resume Monday

Tennessee’s Supreme Court has approved the reopening of courtrooms in the First Judicial District for in-person hearings and trials beginning Monday.

This includes the counties of Carter, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington. Chancellor John Rambo says the court’s decision is rooted in scientific and medical data that will produce an environment that will be safe for the public and court personnel.

Circuit Court Judge Eddie Lauderback said local courts will continue to hold arraignments and other appropriate matters by phone or video conferencing to minimize in-person interaction and each situation will be subject to the judge’s discretion.