The New York State Unified Court System announced today that all new jury trials and grand juries will be suspended due to the resurgence of coronavirus in areas throughout the state.
“In light of advice from our epidemiologist and Governor Cuomo’s most recent directives concerning limiting congregation of groups of people in public and private locations, we have made a determination that starting next week, no new prospective trial jurors, both criminal and civil, will be summoned for jury service, for now,” said Lucian Chalfen, spokesman for the Office of Court Administration.
The summoning of new prospective grand jurors next week for empanelment will also be postponed. Sitting grand juries will continue to hear cases. Pending criminal and civil jury trials will continue to conclusion. Pending bench trials will also continue to conclusion, and newly commenced bench trials and hearings will be conducted virtually, unless otherwise authorized.
Socially-distanced, in-person court conferences will continue.
The Court Administration emphasized that the safety and welfare of the people of the State of New York are paramount, and when conditions change, the Court Administration will revisit the situation.
Barclay Damon will continue to keep you advised about New York State Court operations.
If you have any questions regarding the content of this alert, please contact John Gaughan, partner, at jgaughan@barclaydamon.com, Matthew Larkin, partner, at mlarkin@barclaydamon.com, or another member of the Torts & Products Liability Defense Practice Area.