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Baraga, Houghton, and Keweenaw County Courthouse closed to the general public except for essential functions involving health and safety and constitutional rights

L’ANSE – The Baraga County Courthouse, Houghton County Courthouse, and the Keweenaw County Courthouse, today announced that access to courtrooms and other spaces is now limited to no more than 10 persons, including staff, effective immediately. The court is closed to the general public except for essential functions involving health and safety and Constitutional rights.

To confront this unprecedented public health crisis, the Michigan Supreme Court issued Administrative Order 2020-2, which highlights in specific detail essential functions. This order supersedes any previously issued Local Administrative Orders regarding the crisis.

“Courts statewide are taking this step in unison so that we send a clear message to the public that we are taking every possible step to stop the virus while continuing to provide essential services,” Chief Judge Timothy S. Brennan said. “Our team is adjusting as quickly as possible to the crisis, and we appreciate the support of the public as we work to put more business online in the coming days.”

Essential functions include arraignments for in-custody defendants, review and determination of requests for search warrants and personal protection orders, certain child protective proceedings, and critical issues regarding child support and child custody, among others specified in the order. The new order also provides courts with additional flexibility to conduct business using technology such as video and telephone conferencing.

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