The Delaware State Courts will be closed Wednesday, December 25, 2024 for Christmas Day. Justice of the Peace Court 11 (New Castle County) and Court 7 (Kent County) will remain open 24 hours and Justice of the Peace Court 3 (Sussex County) will be open from 6AM – 12AM (no new cases after 11:00PM).

  1. Delaware Courts
  2. Administrative Office of the Courts
  3. Operating Procedures

Operating Procedures


Facilities


  1. Facilities

  1. Security Committees:

    The Chief Justice may establish specialized Security Committees pertaining to individual courthouse security or on a geographic or Court-wide basis. These Committees shall focus on specific security issues, including but not limited to, emergency preparedness; disaster recovery/continuity of operation plans; security classification for personnel and card access; and evacuation planning.

  2. Courthouse Operations Policy Committee (COPC):

    Under the Chief Justice's administrative authority, COPCs may be established for facilities housing multiple Courts to promulgate operating policies on issues common to the management and usage of the facility.

  3. Cell Phone/Portable Electronic Devices policy :

    On August 7, 2024, the public will be allowed to bring cell phones and other personal electronic devices into all state courthouses with restrictions. There will still be restrictions on use of the devices in court facilities, and in particular in courtrooms. According to the order, the public will be allowed to use their devices in the halls, lobbies and other public areas of the courthouses so long as such use does not disrupt or disturb court business or proceedings. With limited exceptions, visitors will not be allowed to take photos or record audio or video in the courthouse. One exception is that visitors will be allowed to use their devices to photograph or scan public court documents in clerks’ offices, so long as the device does not damage or mark the document in any way or interrupt the operations of the clerks’ office. Use of personal devices in courtrooms will be tightly controlled. All visitors will be required to turn off or silence their devices when in the courtroom. Further, if a judicial officer feels the presence of personal devices is a threat to safety or security or otherwise interferes with the administration of justice, he or she may require all individuals in the courtroom to place their devices in a secure, locking pouch until they leave the courtroom.

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