In a hasty action, the Oregon Supreme Court has granted an order placing a preliminary injunction on the decision by Baker County Circuit Court Judge Matt Shirtcliff which swept away all of Governor Brown's executive orders on the COVID-19 outbreak. What this means is that economic activity will remain shuttered until the High Court decides the issue. The stay was granted by Oregon Supreme Court Presiding Justice, Thomas A. Balmer at 7:45 pm this evening. The motion was granted without comment and little explanation. "This court has considered defendants' emergency motion and plaintiffs' and inervenors' objections, including factors each identified as relevant to whether this court should issue a stay. The emergency motion is granted."

Justice Balmer, a Democrat, was first appointed to the High Court in 2001 by then Governor John Kitzhaber. He is currently running for re-election to another six-year term.

Expect a fairly quick decision. Legal responses are due Friday, May 22. Legal experts regard this as a signal that the court is leaning toward deciding in favor of the Governor.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-05-18 18:16:11

Last Update: 2020-05-19 18:17:24