Supreme Court
Office of Court Administration's Jury Trial Assessment Issues Recommendations
The Texas Office of Court Administration has issued its report to the Texas Supreme Court on safe conduct of jury trials. Among its 11 recommendations for continuing to safely conduct jury proceedings:
- Limiting jury proceedings to district and county courts only through December 31.
- Allowing all courts to conduct virtual jury proceedings except, in criminal jury trials that pose the possibility of a jail or prison sentence, virtual jury proceedings should only occur with appropriate waivers and consent of the defendant and prosecutor on the record.
- Requiring the local administrative district judge and presiding judge of a municipal court to submit jury plans for counties and cities consistent with guidelines for conducting jury trial proceedings issued by OCA.
Requiring consultation with a local health authority not more than five days before the jury proceeding to verify local health conditions and plan precautions are appropriate for the trial to proceed.