Jury trials expected to resume in June

Chief Justice Collins J. Seitz Jr. extended the Judicial Emergency for the courts until June 2, allowing jury trials to resume

Restrictions would be lifted June 1, moving the courts into a phase 3 opening that allows jury trials. Jury trials had largely been placed on hold when the pandemic spread in March 2020. In the fall, courts had prepared to hold jury trials with restrictions, but only one trial was actually held – a three-day driving under the influence trial in Kent County. A jury trial scheduled for Nov. 9 in Sussex Superior Court was resolved beforehand.

Guidelines for jury pools and jury selection are included document prepared by the Courts Reopening Committee.