LASC Presiding Judge Eric C. Taylor has asked the County to reprioritize COVID-19 vaccinations for Court employees and judicial officers, and the justice partner employees, who work daily in the Court’s 38 courthouses.
In a letter to Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH), Judge Taylor wrote:
“The Court has worked tirelessly to keep the doors of justice open in furtherance of our commitment and duty to uphold constitutional, statutory, and legislative mandates as the third branch of government in our democracy,” Presiding Judge Taylor said. “We have been fortunate to work with you and our County’s Department of Public Health to ensure that we conduct court proceedings and business safely.
“To that end, we have drastically reduced foot traffic in our courthouses, moved court operations and proceedings to remote formats where lawful and permissible, issued Emergency Orders to delay many proceedings and jury trials, implemented social distancing, mandatory use of face masks and other safety protocols, retrofitted our facilities with plexiglass and hand sanitizer stations, and greatly enhanced our facilities’ sanitization services. Nonetheless, the hardworking essential workers of our Court must continue to carry out many of their duties in-person.”
Presiding Judge Taylor made the request after the State and the County announced last week that Court worker vaccinations would be further delayed due to a change in the vaccination prioritization list, placing persons 65 and over above the Category 1C workers.
Presiding Judge Taylor added, “I am deeply grateful for all you do to keep the public safe and the support you have provided us all during these very difficult times.”
