Coronavirus Shuts Federal Courtrooms in Washington State (1)

The spread of coronavirus cases in the state of Washington prompted its top federal judge to shut down courtrooms in Seattle and Tacoma.

All civil and criminal matters requiring lawyers and others involved to appear in court were put on hold starting Monday by Chief U.S. District Judge Ricardo Martinez. So were all grand jury proceedings in the district.

Civil or criminal motions that can be resolved through filing of papers aren’t affected, the judge said. The order will remain in effect until the end of the month, unless it’s changed or rescinded, the judge said. Courts in other parts ...