Supreme Court postpones arguments over coronavirus, citing Spanish flu precedent

The Supreme Court said Monday that it will postpone arguments scheduled for March and early April because of health concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic, citing its actions during the Spanish flu epidemic of the early 20th century and the yellow fever outbreaks of the 18th century as precedents. 

The postponement will delay arguments in three blockbuster cases over whether President Donald Trump may shield his financial records, including tax returns, from state and congressional investigators, among other matters. Those cases were set to be argued March 31.

Other work at the court will continue, though with adjustments. The justices will hold a regularly scheduled private conference on Friday, but some may participate remotely by telephone, according to the statement. 

“In keeping with public health precautions recommended in response to COVID-19, the Supreme Court is postponing the oral arguments currently scheduled for the March session,” the top court said in a statement. The court’s March session includes April 1. 

“The Court will examine the options for rescheduling those cases in due course in light of the developing circumstances,” the statement said. 

The court announced on Thursday that it would close to the public indefinitely, prompting calls from progressive and civil rights groups to broadcast any arguments that took place behind closed doors. 

The full statement from the court is below.

“In keeping with public health precautions recommended in response to COVID-19, the Supreme Court is postponing the oral arguments currently scheduled for the March session (March 23-25 and March 30-April 1). The Court will examine the options for rescheduling those cases in due course in light of the developing circumstances.

The Court will hold its regularly scheduled Conference on Friday, March 20. Some Justices may participate remotely by telephone. The Court will issue its regularly scheduled Order List on Monday, March 23 at 9:30 a.m. The list will be posted on the Court’s Website at that time: https://www.supremecourt.gov/orders/ordersofthecourt/19.

The Building will continue to be open for official business, and filing deadlines are not extended under Rule 30.1. The Court is expanding remote working capabilities to reduce the number of employees in the Building, consistent with public health guidance. The Building will remain closed to the public until further notice.

The Court’s postponement of argument sessions in light of public health concerns is not unprecedented. The Court postponed scheduled arguments for October 1918 in response to the Spanish flu epidemic. The Court also shortened its argument calendars in August 1793 and August 1798 in response to yellow fever outbreaks.”

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Article source: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/16/supreme-court-postpones-arguments-over-coronavirus.html