November 2020—February 2021
Due to the pandemic, at the end of March 2020, the Judicial Council’s April 2020 Regular Session was postponed indefinitely as were the deliberations on the 0420 Docket. The period for submission of briefs and reply briefs for consideration at the April Session had concluded on February 28, 2020. Thus, when the April Session was cancelled there were no further submissions expected or pending for the April Docket. Thereafter, it became evident that the Fall 2020 Regular Session also could not be held as anticipated.
In an attempt to faithfully execute the duties in which the Judicial Council has been entrusted by the denomination, the Judicial Council is going to conduct its deliberations through a series of Zoom conferences throughout the coming weeks and months. This is a new process for the Judicial Council. There is a 16-hour time span among the time zones in which the members reside. The Council will endeavor to remain faithful in its work albeit slower than meeting in person for one four-day session as is the custom. The Judicial Council asks for the denomination’s patience.
The Judicial Council has added four cases to the pending 0420 Docket (which was published in January). These four cases were submitted following the February 28, 2020, closing date for submissions on the fourteen cases that comprised the original 0420 docket. As such, docket items 15, 16, 17, and 18 are calendared for submission of any and all briefs by January 5, 2021. Although persons are not precluded from submitting reply briefs, no separate provisions are being made for replies given the limited time frame. To reiterate, ALL briefs — whether an initial brief or a reply brief — must be submitted by January 5, 2021.
The Judicial Council is not conducting oral hearings on any of the docket items.
Special Notice Regarding Briefs On Docket Item 15 (Protocol Legislation): The Judicial Council requests that the scope of briefs be limited to the issue of the exercise of ¶ 2610.1 jurisdiction prior to the convening of General Conference.