Detroit's 36th District Court Will Be Closed Again Friday

DETROIT -- The 36th District Court announced that it will be closed again on Friday, Feb. 1, due to flooding at the courthouse caused by a burst pipe.

Record-breaking subzero temperatures triggered a pipe to burst causing extensive damage and flooding to the entire main floor including the inside and outside of the public and employee entrances. Walk-through metal detectors, other security devices and courtrooms were also impacted.

Court officials say that if the court were to open Saturday, security staff would have to manually wand and search all members of the public, the staff and their belongings. With the expected temperatures remaining below zero Friday night and reaching only zero in the morning, individuals and staff would have to wait in line in the frigid cold to enter the building during the slower, manual process of security screening.

“We had to consider the anticipated morning temperature, the manual security screening process, and the safety and welfare of our bench, staff and litigants," Chief Judge Pro Tem Larry D. Williams, Jr. said. "We decided that it was in the best interest of all to close the Court.”

Court Administrator Kelli Moore Owen added, “The restoration company will work around the clock and through the weekend to ensure the building is safe and ready to open for business Monday. This will also allow ample time for the carpets to dry and ensure all security and screening equipment is fully functional.”

In-Custody Felony Arraignments will be conducted by the assigned magistrate at the Detroit Detention Center, 17601 Mound Road, Detroit at noon on Friday.

All other cases scheduled for Friday will be rescheduled and new Notices to Appear will be mailed by the Court. Visit the Court’s website at http://www.36thdistrictcourt.org/ for further details, including the Court’s schedule.

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