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News Release

“Night Court” Is Coming To Marion County — But This One Is Real - 05/07/26

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.

 

“Access to justice means making the justice system accessible to the people we serve,” said Justin Kidd. “For many people, taking time off work to appear in court can be difficult or financially burdensome. Offering online evening proceedings gives community members another option that is both practical and convenient.”

 

The evening schedule is also expected to benefit law enforcement officers — particularly those working night shifts — by providing greater flexibility for court appearances.

 

The program springs from the court’s recent remodel. While the court building was under renovation, the court held only virtual trials for about a month.  Customers and law enforcement officers indicated that they enjoyed the flexibility and accessibility of online trials. Judge Kidd also found that virtual trials were an effective way to hold court outside normal business hours. 

 

“It was an epiphany,” said Kidd, “For safety and operations reasons, I need at least four clerks, plus a judge and a security person, to hold a trial while the building is open.  But when the building is closed, I can run a trial with just one judge and one clerk.” The streamlined staffing makes online night court a cost-effective way to increase access to justice.

 

As part of the program’s rollout, the Marion County Justice Court will also begin seeking applications for a paid pro-tem judge position to assist with the Night Court docket. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to Judge Kidd to discuss the pro-tem process.

“Night Court” Is Coming To Marion County — But This One Is Real - 05/07/26

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.

 

“Access to justice means making the justice system accessible to the people we serve,” said Justin Kidd. “For many people, taking time off work to appear in court can be difficult or financially burdensome. Offering online evening proceedings gives community members another option that is both practical and convenient.”

 

The evening schedule is also expected to benefit law enforcement officers — particularly those working night shifts — by providing greater flexibility for court appearances.

 

The program springs from the court’s recent remodel. While the court building was under renovation, the court held only virtual trials for about a month.  Customers and law enforcement officers indicated that they enjoyed the flexibility and accessibility of online trials. Judge Kidd also found that virtual trials were an effective way to hold court outside normal business hours. 

 

“It was an epiphany,” said Kidd, “For safety and operations reasons, I need at least four clerks, plus a judge and a security person, to hold a trial while the building is open.  But when the building is closed, I can run a trial with just one judge and one clerk.” The streamlined staffing makes online night court a cost-effective way to increase access to justice.

 

As part of the program’s rollout, the Marion County Justice Court will also begin seeking applications for a paid pro-tem judge position to assist with the Night Court docket. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to Judge Kidd to discuss the pro-tem process.