Connecticut state courts are planning to resume jury trials in November. Courthouses will follow new policies to protect plaintiffs, defendants, attorneys, judges, jurors, and everyone else involved in the legal process from the coronavirus. Safety protocols may be adjusted as officials deem necessary until a vaccine is available.
How COVID-19 Has Affected the Connecticut Court System
New jury trials were put on hold on March 13 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Ongoing trials and some other proceedings were allowed to move forward.
As they prepare to resume jury trials, judicial officials are instituting several new policies to protect people who go to courthouses from COVID-19. Judicial officials will follow guidelines from public health officials on issues such as the use of masks and social distancing.
Anyone who enters a Judicial Branch courthouse or facility must have his or her nose and mouth covered with a mask or a cloth face covering. The number of people allowed in a courthouse may be limited to allow for social distancing.
Courthouses may not be able to handle as many cases as they typically would because they will need more space due to COVID-19 restrictions. Parties may be separated in different courtrooms and may use video conferencing to communicate while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Differences in layouts may create unique challenges and concerns in some buildings. Policies may therefore differ from one courthouse to another.
The jury selection process typically takes several days in a civil case. It often takes longer in cases involving criminal matters.
When trials resume, jury selection is expected to take considerably longer than usual due to coronavirus restrictions. Judicial officials will consider the risk of COVID-19 to potential jurors who have preexisting medical conditions.
How A Plus Reporting Has Addressed the Coronavirus Pandemic
A Plus Reporting in Plainville, Connecticut, is fully operational. We can provide court reporting services for hearings, depositions, and other proceedings, as well as full online meeting and conferencing support.
We have taken numerous safety precautions in response to COVID-19. Our court reporters and staff have been working to provide clients with necessary transcription services in a safe manner.
If you need a place to meet, we offer three conference rooms that comply with social distancing requirements. We make masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes available. Each room is cleaned and disinfected after every meeting.
A Plus Reporting is committed to keeping our clients and staff safe. Contact us if you need to schedule a service or if you have questions about the procedures we have adopted to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
