Updates: San Diego Superior Court – Covid-19
As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, California is in a state of emergency. Changes and updates are being released constantly as these uncertain times amidst the Covid-19 pandemic continue. While the court still plans to continue to provide remote services, they are preparing to move forward. The San Diego Superior Court is planning to slowly resume in-person trials. These resumptions will begin on October 13th, 2020. Jurors will begin reporting for duty beginning on October 9th, 2020. Here are a few of the most recent updates one can except to encounter.
Entering the Court House
Anyone entering the courthouse, should be prepared to comply with all county, state, and federal guidelines. Likewise, slight changes have continued to be made as the San Diego Superior Courthouse continues to stay up to date with the ever changing Covid-19 safety guidelines. These guidelines consist of:
- Conducting temperature and symptom screenings
- Required face coverings at all times
- Enforced social distancing
- Continuing increased cleaning measures
- Providing hand sanitizer kiosks
- No person exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms will be permitted to enter
Courtroom Proceedings
Judge Lorna Alksne stated that, “As we safely and cautiously resume trials with a smaller potential juror pool, we will start by seating our first jury at the Central Courthouse before we expand to the other courthouses”. It has been said that only two trials are set to take place in October. However, this is only two out of 2,700 trials that need to be rescheduled.
Inside the Court Room
As the San Diego Superior Courthouse prepares for the reopening on in-person trials and juries, extra precautions are being taken to ensure a safe reconvening. Moreover, there has been a new online portal created that helps assist potential jurors. It allows jurors to register their phone number and email address to be alerted if they’re no longer needed. Here are some of the guideline’s parties can expect to see in the courtroom:
- Significantly fewer jurors summoned and admitted into each courtroom
- Those selected to serve on the jury will be spaced at least six feet apart at all times
- All jury boxes will have clear protective panels installed between each juror and courtroom participants
- Deliberation will take place in another courtroom to allow adequate space for social distancing
- The number of jury trials that can be held simultaneously will be limited by the size of the jury lounges
As the San Diego Superior Courthouse continues to make advances toward a full reopening, they continue to update their website (www.sdcourt.ca.gov). The San Diego Superior Court website has all the information regarding Covid-19 updates and advances. Above all, continue to stay up to date with all the San Diego Superior Courthouse operations during the Covid-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, if you have any specific questions regarding a DUI during the pandemic, visit here. Get connected with a San Diego DUI Attorney Specialist.
Updates: San Diego Superior Court – Covid-19