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California Superior Court Jury Trials Suspended For 60 Days
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images
California’s chief justice has suspended all jury trials in the state's superior courts for 60 days, saying courts are "ill-equipped" to protect the public from the coronavirus outbreak.
In a statement released late Monday, Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye said:
"Even if court facilities could allow for sufficient social-distancing, the closure of schools means that many court employees, litigants, witnesses, and potential jurors cannot leave their homes to attend court proceedings because they must stay home to supervise their children. These restrictions have also made it nearly impossible for courts to assemble juries."
Yesterday, presiding judge of Los Angeles Superior Court, Kevin C. Brazile, blocked public access to county courthouses except for attorneys, staff, defendants and "authorized persons," including news reporters.
His order also closes the Beverly Hills, Catalina and Spring Street courthouses to the public until further notice.
The clerk's office will still be available to accept filings and assist people by phone or electronically.
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