In the wake of today's murderous attack on two Berrien County Court Bailiffs and the wounding of a Berrien County Sheriff's Deputy, Berrien County Trial Court Chief Judge Gary Bruce has ordered the courthouse to remain closed to business all day Tuesday, July 12th.
Bruce released Administrative Order 2016-01 this evening which reads as follows:
"This administrative order is issued in accordance with MCR 8.11(C). The purpose of this order is to close the business offices of the court to the public due to a police emergency upon approval by the State Court Administrative Office. The business offices of Berrien County Trial Court in St. Joseph and Niles, as well as the Juvenile Center and Berrien County Friend of the Court, will be closed July 12, 2016 from 8:30am – 5:00pm. All in-custody arraignments and emergency matters (including emergency filings) will be conducted while the court's business offices are closed to the public. Notice of the court closure and of how emergency matters and filing shall be accomplished during the closing shall be given to the public, the court's funding unit, and other affected agencies and offices. Notice shall include a sign posted at the court."
Stay tuned for additional information as it becomes available.
