Warren County General Sessions Judge Ryan J. Moore announced several changes to General Sessions Court beginning January 4.
First, morning dockets will begin at 8:30 a.m. with a focus on the general public being heard first, so they are able to get in-and-out of court faster, while inmates on the criminal docket will be heard last.
Second, Judge Moore is changing the docket schedule so that civil judgements can be executed in ten (10) days, by statute. As a result, civil cases will be heard on Mondays, and juvenile matters will be heard on Wednesdays. Criminal cases and traffic dockets will remain on Tuesdays and Thursdays, respectively. Complex matters such as termination of parental rights cases, time-sensitive juvenile matters, and other contested civil actions will be heard on Fridays.
Third, a new dress code has been implemented for General Sessions Court. Shorts, sagging pants, tank tops, halter tops and clothing with a bare midriff are strictly prohibited. Shoes must be worn at all times and offensive language and clothing with profane language will not be allowed in court. Items that are prohibited in court include cellphones, hats, purses, handbags, briefcases, sharp objects, food, drinks, lighters, vapes, tobacco products, and sunglasses.
To improve courthouse efficiency, two settlement rooms have been created to allow attorneys and clients private meeting areas to discuss cases, settlement offers, and execute pleas. Maximizing the space will also allow attorneys the ability to work on cases while court is still in session.