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Judge says courthouse likely closed Dec. 24; commissioners approve contingency measures
Summary
A judge told the board that state and county holidays would leave judges, bailiffs and other court staff absent on Dec. 24, so commissioners approved a closure with contingency arrangements to ensure victim protection orders and emergency matters can be handled by duty judges and law enforcement.
A judge told Oklahoma County commissioners that scheduling and staffing constraints tied to a state holiday and county holiday would leave the courthouse short-staffed on Dec. 24 and create challenges for keeping court services open.
Judge Ogden said judges, bailiffs, court porters, public defenders and the district attorney would not be present on the 24th, and that keeping the courthouse open without those personnel would be problematic. He said he had spoken with the district attorney, who raised no objections, and described contingency steps: notifying Judge Monderette, the duty judge and Judge Hammond so they could coordinate with law enforcement to handle emergency protection orders and other urgent matters.
Commissioners moved and approved the item on the agenda related to that closure. The board also noted previous discussions and directed communication among judicial leaders and law enforcement to ensure access for victims during the holiday period.
No formal rule changes were adopted; the action recorded in the transcript authorized the closure with the stated contingency plans and follow-up notifications to judicial officers and law enforcement.
