The Maryland Judiciary is set to advance into Phase V of its COVID-19 reopening plan on October 5, 2020. This phase will see the full operational status of all courts in Maryland, including the resumption of jury trials in criminal and civil cases across circuit courts statewide.
According to the Amended Administrative Order on the Progressive Resumption of Full Function of Judiciary Operations Previously Restricted Due to the COVID-19 Emergency, several health measures are being enforced. These include mandatory masks or face coverings for anyone entering a courthouse, completion of a COVID-19 symptom questionnaire, and temperature checks using contactless thermometers. These steps aim to protect visitors, judges, and employees during the ongoing pandemic.
Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera of the Maryland Court of Appeals emphasized the complexity involved in safely conducting jury trials. “Jury trials require the assembly of large groups of citizens in order to allow the selection of an impartial jury. Doing this responsibly, while safeguarding due process, is a complex challenge that the leaders of the circuit courts have worked hard to meet,” she stated. She assured those called for jury service that measures such as plexiglass shields and distanced seating are being employed to minimize COVID-19 risks.
A new video titled "Jury Duty COVID-19 Safety Precautions," produced by the Maryland Judiciary’s Administrative Office of the Courts, showcases sanitation efforts and court preparations for jurors' return. The video illustrates how jury assembly rooms and courtrooms have been modified according to guidelines from health authorities like the Maryland Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control.
Additional safety measures include routine cleaning with a focus on frequently touched surfaces and utilizing extra rooms or buildings for social distancing purposes. Jurors should be aware that environments may vary by jurisdiction due to different court building layouts.
Maryland joins states such as Delaware and Ohio in resuming jury trials amid COVID-19. The judiciary continues using technology for remote proceedings where possible, though practices may differ based on location. For more information about court operations during this time, individuals can visit mdcourts.gov or contact their local Clerk’s Office before visiting courthouses.