SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — The Second Circuit Courts in Lincoln and Minnehaha Counties will require the public to wear a face mask when entering the court houses in Sioux Falls and Canton.
The order goes into effect Wednesday.
Lawyers are exempt from the order but the Presiding Judge for the Circuit, Robin Houwman encourages lawyers to also use cloth masks.
She also emphasizes that the court system would like to use the online system as much as possible.
Below is her email to attorneys.
—–
Please see attached a Standing Order I have issued today regarding the use of facial masks for all members of the public entering the courthouse in Minnehaha County, or the courtrooms and court-related areas in Lincoln County. The Order takes effect Wednesday, April 8, 2020. Please ensure that your clients and staff are aware of the Order. While the Order does not apply to attorneys, we certainly encourage you to wear a mask or facial covering if you do come to the courthouse. However, I would also encourage you to continue to request permission to appear remotely for any hearings that would allow a remote appearance. We have greatly increased our capacity for remote appearances and hold many hearings where a portion of or all of the parties appear via alternative means.
Please consider emailing pleadings and orders to the Judges and filing all documents via Odyssey. Thank you.
Robin Houwman,
Presiding Judge, Second Judicial Circuit
