As litigators, we have all hoped for a return to in-person hearings and trials and perhaps even dreamed of being able to do so without the necessity of wearing a mask. A review of the policies various Federal courts have enacted in response to COVID shows that the return to "normal" will be variable and perhaps still distant.
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A return to in-person hearings in Federal Courts?
Circuit Court COVID Protocols CIRCUIT CURRENT POLICY 1st No in-person oral arguments through at least November. 2nd Vaccination or negative test within preceding 72 hours. In person in August. 3rd No information provided. 4th No in-person oral arguments until at least Oct. 26. 5th Masks required; in person Aug. 30. Individual panels can grant remote hearing. 6th No in-person oral arguments until at least Oct. 18. 7th Vaccination required. In person starting Oct. 4. 8th No in-person oral arguments through at least September. 9th No in-person oral arguments through at least October. 10th Vaccination required. In person starting Sept. 20. 11th Vaccination or negative test within preceding 72 hours. In-person date unclear. Federal Vaccination or negative test within preceding 48 hours. In person Aug. 30. D.C. No in-person oral arguments through at least October.

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