Supreme Court delays oral arguments for April because of coronavirus concerns
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The U.S. Supreme Court announced Friday that it is delaying April oral arguments because of COVID-19 concerns.
The court previously delayed March oral arguments. About 20 cases are affected.
The National Law Journal, the Washington Post, SCOTUSblog, CNN and Bloomberg have coverage.
According to a press release, the court will consider rescheduling some delayed-argument cases before the end of the term “if circumstances permit in light of public health and safety guidance at that time.”
The press release said the court “will consider a range of scheduling options and other alternatives” if courtroom arguments can’t be held this term.
Three cases with arguments on hold seek President Donald Trump’s financial records. (They were originally scheduled for March 31 arguments.) Two others challenge state laws requiring members of the Electoral College to support the winner of the state popular vote. (They were originally scheduled for April 28 oral arguments).
The transparency group Fix the Court suggests that the court hold oral arguments remotely while allowing the public to listen in. The court has already been conducting private conferences remotely for all the justices except Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., who goes to the court’s conference room for the meetings, according to the National Law Journal.
