DC Circuit Sets Dec. 1 Resumption of In-Person Arguments

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit set masking protocols for in-person oral arguments, which resume Dec. 1 (see 2110150033). Everyone must wear a KF94, KN95 or N95 mask other than judges and arguing counsel when at the lectern, the court said Wednesday. Arguing counsel who would like to speak without being masked must take a COVID-19 test the day beforehand and submit proof of a negative result by that evening, it said. Courtroom seating will be limited, with each arguing counsel getting one guest, and members of the public aren't allowed in the courtroom, it said. Oral argument audio will be livestreamed on the court's YouTube channel, it said. Everyone must wear a mask and practice physical distancing in public areas, it said. The D.C. Circuit said it has taken such precautions as outfitting its HVAC system with high-rated filters and putting auxiliary portable air filters with high-efficiency particular air filters in the courtrooms. It said tables, chairs and the lectern have been spaced out.