EL PASO COUNTY — According to Fourth Judicial District Chief Judge William Bain, the Fourth Judicial District will resume jury trials in El Paso County on a limited basis starting on July 6, 2020.
“Trial by jury is the cornerstone of our judicial system, and there is no way to fairly and effectively effect justice without it,” Bain said. “With the thoughtful planning we have put in place in consultation with our local health experts, I am confident we can conduct these trials in a safe and efficient manner for everyone involved.”
The Judicial Court worked with El Paso County Department of Health Deputy Director Dr. Leon Kelly to assist in the development of a plan to safely conduct jury trials in the El Paso County Courthouse. That plan includes attorneys, court staff, defendants, jurors, media, public, victims and witnesses being required to wear masks, while judges will not as long as they remain at least six feet away from everyone else in the courtroom.
While in session, attorneys will conduct questions from their table and will use a microphone to amplify their voices.
Before each person’s use of the microphone, a new piece of plastic wrap will be placed over it. Social distancing measures will also be implemented throughout the courthouse and courtroom. Jury summons will also begin to be sent out again.
If you receive one and have a vulnerability for COVID-19, have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or have been in direct contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 within 14 days of your scheduled jury service, the Court asks that you contact the jury commissionerto reschedule your jury service.
The Fourth Judicial District is the first judicial district in Colorado to seek and receive approval from the Colorado Supreme Court to resume jury trials.
