INDIANAPOLIS — The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana will resume jury trials beginning Tuesday, the court announced.
Chief Judge Jane E. Magnus-Stinson issued an order this week that allows the resumption of jury trials in all divisions that had been put on hold by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a report from the court, a number of measures are being implemented to keep jurors as safe as possible. Among the measures is the requirement that everyone who enters the courthouse wear a face covering, practice social distancing and by installing plastic barriers where appropriate.
The court is also employing enhanced cleaning procedures, requiring all visitors to answer health screening questions and is conducting self-screening of employees.
According to the court, the clerk may temporarily excuse any person summoned for jury service upon a showing of undue hardship or extreme inconvenience, but the potential juror will be summoned again for jury service at a later date or be reinserted into the jury wheel.
The clerk may excuse any potential juror for the following reasons:
- The juror has ongoing symptoms of COVID-19 or tests positive for COVID-19.
- Is in a category deemed at high-risk of COVID-19 infection by the CDC or federal, state, or local public health authorities.
- Is quarantined due to exposure to a person who tested positive for COVID-19.
- Is caring for a family member or other dependent with symptoms of COVID-19 or who has tested positive for COVID-19.
- Is a healthcare professional whose current employment is essential to the care and/or treatment of patients occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the court, even though jury trials are resuming, a judge may continue a jury trial for reasons related to the ongoing pandemic.
