As businesses reopen, jury trials in Georgia remain on hold

Even with some businesses reopening and a statewide shelter-in-place order lifted, the coronavirus outbreak continues to keep Georgia courts from returning to normal operations.

Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Harold Melton on Monday announced that he’s extending a statewide judicial emergency through mid-June. That means civil and criminal jury trials will continue to be on hold and no jurors or grand jurors will be called to serve.

“The courts are different from most private establishments and public places in that we compel people to attend court proceedings, and that requires us to be extra cautious,” Melton said in a news release.

Restrictions meant to stem the spread of the coronavirus in Georgia have been loosening in recent weeks. Gov. Brian Kemp allowed the shelter-at-home order to expire last week, having already opened considerable loopholes late last month by allowing businesses including barbershops, nail salons, gyms and bowling alleys to reopen, as well as letting restaurants resume limited dine-in service.

State health officials have confirmed more than 29,000 cases of COVID-19 in Georgia, and there have been nearly 1,200 confirmed deaths from the disease.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, and the vast majority survive. But for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause pneumonia or even death.

The statewide judicial emergency was initially declared March 14 and was set to expire April 13. Melton first extended it until May 13 and now plans to extend it again through June 12 by signing a new order later this week, according to the release from the high court.

The extension is necessary because of social distancing and other safety measures recommended by federal, state and local health officials to protect large groups of people who would typically assemble at courthouses for jury proceedings, the release says. Throughout the emergency, the courts have remained open for critical and essential services.

The new order will also urge courts to develop plans to restore non-critical operations that can be conducted remotely and encourage courts to increase the use of technology for remote judicial proceedings when allowed by law, the release says. The chief justice also plans to create a task force to help with remote proceedings and to develop plans for safe in-court proceedings.

9image credit: AP)