Overview
Town and village courts are collectively known as the Justice Courts. Many New Yorkers will have their first and only court experience in one of the almost 1,200 locally-funded Justice Courts located throughout New York State (except for New York City). These courts have jurisdiction over a broad range of matters, including vehicle and traffic matters, small claims, evictions, civil matters and criminal offenses.
Information for the Public: COVID-19 Impacts on the Justice Courts |
Effective July 14, 2021, some town and village courts may now be allowing individuals to appear within their court rooms without the need to have their temperature taken, or to pass any health safety screening, or to wear a face covering or mask if such individual provides proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Acceptable proofs of COVID-19 vaccination include:
• COVID-19 vaccination card;
• Photograph of a COVID-19 vaccination card contained on a mobile device; or
• COVID-19 Vaccination Excelsior Pass
The courts are responding to rapidly changing conditions. Please visit this website often for updates. Please note operational protocols may vary depending on local conditions. More information related to specific courts may be found through the Court System's Coronavirus webpage.
Additional resources: Poster: "Attention Vaccinated Town/Village Court Visitors" Unified Court System Court Locator -- A searchable directory of name and address and phone number of all of the courts within the New York State Court System. New York State Access to Justice Program (links to legal assistance during the Covid-19 Pandemic by phone and online) |
