Can People be Forced to Wear Face Masks in Court?

Does a court have the legal authority to require people to wear face masks in the courthouse? In most states, there are Governor’s orders recommending, but not requiring, the use of masks in public. In spite of those orders, most courthouses throughout the country have required visitors and employees to wear face masks. So which order applies? That is be being hotly debated in Texas. This debate raises all kinds of questions. If a person declines to wear a mask, and is either barred entry, or is directed to leave the courthouse, and refuses to do so – can that person be arrested, jailed or fined for criminal trespass, or some other crime? These are important questions moving forward in this new COVID-19 pandemic world.