The Cuyahoga County Bench-Bar Covid-19 Task Force met on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 in a Zoom session hosted by CMBA. Judges shared updates on Covid-19 cases, policies and procedures. The meeting was led by Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Administrative and Presiding Judge Brendan Sheehan.

Hightlights included:

• Judge Michelle D. Earley reported that Cleveland Municipal Court is preparing a new administrative order that will, among other things, provide for the return of jury trials in mid-May.
• Judge K.J. Montgomery reported that Shaker Heights will resume jury trials in late May or early June. There are six cases in the que for a jury trial. 
• Bob Coury, Chief of Public Safety and Justice Services, reported that the incidence of COVID has decreased to 25 inmates.

 
Judge Brendan Sheehan shared a new video regarding COVID-19 vaccination registrations at the Justice Center.

Judge Sheehan also shared data regarding the number of active cases filed with the Court of Common Pleas over the past two years. The data show: 
 
In 2019:

• 10,637 cases were pending at the start of 2019
• 18,127 were filed during 2019
• 20,023 were disposed of during 2019

 
In 2020:

• 10,918 cases were pending at the start of 2020
• 15,210 were filed during 2020
• 15,175 were disposed of during 2020

 
At the start of 2021, 12,592 cases were pending. Judge Sheehan explained that there were more active cases at the start of 2021 as compared to the start of 2019 (18% higher) or 2020 (15% higher). New case filings decreased 16% in 2020 compared to 2019. Number of cases disposed of decreased 24% in 2020 compared to 2019.