The order says the public health emergency impacts the court’s functions, including but not limited to the ability to impanel a jury for both criminal and civil cases.
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“In the interests of justice, fairness and public safety, the court orders (that) … all jury trials are suspended for a period of 30 days,” the order says.
The order says that the suspension of jury trials is necessary for the court to maintain essential functions, as a spread of coronavirus in the court could compromise public and staff health. It’s not uncommon for potential jury pools to be upwards of 50 or 60 people who must sit in a room close to each other while they are either rejected or selected to serve during a trial.
A statement issued by the court says the order stops jury trials until April 15.
“Meanwhile, the court plans to restrict courthouse access to essential parties and personnel, conduct most hearings with jailed defendants by video conference, conduct civil pretrial hearings by telephone conference call, develop alternative work schedules for staff and meet weekly to re-evaluate court needs and policies,” the statement says.
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The order does, however, give judges’ the option to make rulings to hold trials on a case-by-case basis.
“In such event, the court’s full and conscientious COVID-19 mitigation protocols will be utilized, which protocols include but are not limited to enhanced sanitation, cleaning and hygiene protocols.”
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