Marion County, Oregon — Fans of the classic television show Night Court may remember the late-night courtroom antics and unusual cases. Marion County’s new Night Court program will be far less comedic — but it is designed with a serious purpose: increasing access to justice for the community.
This summer, Marion County Justice Court is launching a new “Night Court” initiative that will offer select evening court sessions entirely online. The pilot program is intended to make court more accessible for working residents, law enforcement officers, and others who may struggle to appear during traditional daytime hours.
Night Court proceedings will be held a limited number of times each month and will include certain traffic trials, as well as an ex parte docket where individuals may petition the court during evening hours…