Merced Superior Court restarting jury trials June 15. Here’s how trials will change
In less than two weeks, Merced County residents can expect the possibility of being called to jury duty again. Jury trials are resuming at the Merced County Superior Court beginning June 15.
But jury service will look a little different, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, according to a court news release.
Fewer jurors will be summoned to court at a time each day. Social distancing measures will be implemented throughout the whole jury trial process, from jury assembly and selection through jury deliberation.
Social distancing will also be promoted by less trials being in session at once, in order to minimize the number of people in the courthouse. Juries will be seated so that they are spaced throughout the courtroom. Jury deliberation will take place in the courtroom, instead of jury deliberation rooms.
Due to the limited seating capacity, alternative locations may be used to allow for social distancing June 15 through July 24. Weekly reporting instructions and location directions are listed on the court’s website, jury mobile app and over the jury phone line.
Increased health and safety precautions at court locations include required face coverings and temperature screenings. Hand sanitizing stations are installed throughout the courthouse and social distancing signage is posted. The court’s janitorial service is increasing sanitation efforts.
Jurors are directed to wear a face mask or face covering. Reporting jurors should also bring their jury summons to verify they are a summoned juror.
Bringing a water bottle is recommended, as a public water dispenser will not be available. Additional hand sanitizer is recommended too as an additional precautionary measure. The court will not be providing common reading materials or other items to occupy individuals during jury assembly and selection, so it is advised that summoned jurors bring their own.
Members of the public may be prevented from attending jury trials in person. The public can watch trials via live video streams, which have been created for each courtroom.
Anyone with respiratory symptoms, a fever or a cough is asked to not report to the courthouse for jury service. Those with COVID-19 related symptoms can defer their jury service by contacting the jury commissioner’s office at (209) 725-4121 or jury@mercedcourt.org to request that jury service be deferred to a later date.
Deferrals may not exceed 90 days. Jurors can self-defer on a one time basis.
This story was originally published June 3, 2020 at 1:06 PM with the headline "Merced Superior Court restarting jury trials June 15. Here’s how trials will change."
