The Alameda County Superior Court will resume jury trials June 8, with jurors first being summoned June 29.
The change was announced in a press release Friday after civil jury trials were suspended by the court April 6. All in-person trials will require every person to undergo a health screening, including a temperature check, and to wear a mask or face covering.
“Whether criminal or civil in nature, jury trials are the cornerstone of our justice system,” the press release states. “Promoting the general welfare of our residents is a foundational purpose of the U.S. Constitution; that means keeping people safe.”
The court will stagger juror reporting times to limit attendance, according to the press release.
The high-touch surfaces in the court will also be cleaned before the arrival of each jury panel, and hand sanitizer will be available in public spaces out of precaution for the spread of COVID-19, the press release adds.
“Jury service is a core obligation of citizenship,” the press release states. “The Court greatly appreciates the willingness of the public to serve and help ensure the jury rights of litigants, even in difficult times such as these.”
