Minnesota Judicial Branch COVID-19 Preparedness Plan
May 15, 2020
Under the Supreme Court Order No. ADM 20-8001 (May 15, 2020), the Minnesota Judicial Branch is
to begin a gradual transition from remote work with limited in-person proceedings to increased
capacity in all court locations. This plan outlines the health and safety parameters that every court
facility must put in place before beginning to expand in-person operations. The branch’s top priority
is protecting the health and safety of our judicial officers and staff, along with the health and safety of
court users.
Guidance is provided from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) and is subject to change given the rapidly changing nature of the
pandemic.
As the branch prepares itself to expand in-person operations, it is important that staff and judicial
officers continue to heed the advice of public health officials:
1. Cover your cough. If you have a cough, stay home or go home if a cough develops.
2. Frequently wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds; use hand sanitizer with a minimum of
60% alcohol when soap and water are not available.
3. Stay home when sick. Symptoms of Coronavirus. If you have symptoms compatible with COVID19, stay home for the amount of time listed on the CDC’s website.
4. Avoid touching your face.
5. All staff and visitors are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering. When to Wear a Face
Covering
6. Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible. Cleaning and Disinfecting Your
Facility
It is required that the following health and safety measures be instituted as part of each court
facility’s transition checklist.

Social Distancing
Social distancing means maintaining distance of at least 6 feet (360 degrees) from others at all times.
Guidance on social distancing in courtroom settings is clarified later in this document. Court facilities
must use social distancing during this transition period, and it must be maintained.
Social Distancing Exposure Control Measures:
1. Implement flexible worksites. Chief Judges, District Administrators, and the State Court
Administrator will identify and prioritize judicial officers and staff returning to court facilities on a
business need basis with the objective of minimal onsite staffing and continued teleworking until
further order of the Chief Justice.
2. Implement flexible and/or limited work hours (e.g., stagger shifts for those needing to come into
the office).
3. Increase physical space between staff at the worksite.
4. Decrease social contacts in the workplace.
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 5. Increase physical space between each staff, as well as customers (e.g., partitions, tape on floors
marking 6 foot (360 degrees) increments.
6. Limit in-person customer interactions (e.g., have public facing operations available for only
certain days/times to limit exposure for staff, reduce the strain on personal protective equipment
(PPE), and allow for disinfecting areas. Continue to encourage other formats for contact (web,
phone, email).
7. Deliver services and meetings remotely (e.g., phone, video, or web).
8. Require staff who are ill to stay home.
9. Provide accommodation (e.g., telework or separate office) for people that may be vulnerable or
at higher risk for serious illness.

Face Coverings
Face coverings are recommended for source control* where social distancing cannot be maintained
and for public facing staff.
*Source Control: Prevents the wearer from spreading what they may have to someone else; it does
not prevent the wearer from contracting what someone else may have.
Face Coverings Exposure Control Measures:
1. All staff and judicial officers are strongly encouraged to wear a cloth face covering. Staff and
judicial officers are encouraged, or if they prefer, to wear personal cloth face coverings if/when
Branch procured cloth face coverings are unavailable. Per CDC guidance, cloth face coverings
should be washed daily and reused. The Branch has procured 2 cloth face coverings for all staff
and judicial officers.
2. The Branch will provide paper face coverings for jurors.
3. Courts need to ensure parties are aware of branch recommendations regarding use of face
coverings (i.e. notices, signage, etc.).
Recommendation:
1. Face coverings are recommended where social distancing cannot be maintained. However, face
coverings are NOT a substitute for social distancing.
2. Justice partners are to wear their own face coverings in the court facility.

Cleaning and Disinfecting the Work Environment
Each court facility should coordinate with the local cleaning provider to ensure that appropriate
cleaning and disinfecting is carried out. If staff is confirmed positive with COVID-19, further cleaning
measures of the staff’s workspace must be implemented by the local cleaning provider. See CDC
recommendations as well.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Exposure Control Measures:
Daily practices:
1. Clean and disinfect all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as countertops,
workstations, keyboards, telephones, desks, tables, printers/copiers, handrails, light switches, and
doorknobs.
a. If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to
disinfection.
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 2.
3.
4.
5.

6.
7.
8.

b. For disinfection, most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective
(e.g., cleansing wipes or disinfecting sprays)
Staff are strongly discouraged from using other staffs’ phones, desks, offices, or other work tools
and equipment. If necessary, clean and disinfect equipment before and after use.
Clean and disinfect all common spaces such as lobbies, courtrooms, and breakrooms frequently.
Increase air ventilation so more fresh air is being brought into the facility at all times.
Staff and judicial officers should disinfect individual workspaces with cleansing wipes or
disinfecting sprays:
a. Use on personal workstations such as keyboard, mouse, phone, and desk.
b. When using disinfecting wipes to disinfect hard, nonporous surfaces, enough product
should be used to ensure the surface remains wet for one minute. Let the surface dry.
c. For highly soiled surfaces, clean off excess dirt before using the disinfecting wipes.
d. Don’t use the wipes to cleanse skin.
Frequently wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds; utilize hand sanitizer if unable to use
soap and water.
Hand sanitizer should be a minimum of 60% alcohol.
Hand sanitizer should be available for all judges, staff, courtroom users, and public service
counter users.

Recommendation:
1. Maintain stock of cleaning supplies.
2. Maintain stock of hand sanitizer, soap, and paper towels.
3. Utilize commercially manufactured disinfecting agents/sprays in conjunction with paper towels
when wipes are not available.

Partition or Barriers
Where social distancing cannot be maintained, especially at public counters and in courtrooms, court
personnel should coordinate with property management to evaluate the feasibility of the installation
of partitions/barriers.
Partition or Barrier Exposure Control Measures:
1. Each court facility should analyze the need for a barrier at their public service counters, as well as
their courtrooms.
2. Barriers could be temporarily or permanently affixed.
Once a court facility has addressed the practices pertaining to social distancing, face coverings,
cleaning and disinfecting the work environment, and partitions or barriers, it is required to start
transitioning staff and judicial officers to support the expansion of court operations.
A slow, cautious, and phased approach is recommended for the following reasons:
1. Allows all staff and judicial officers to limit exposure to others in the office setting via continued
social distancing.
2. Allows the availability of staff to backfill should another fall ill.
3. Allows court operations to be suspended should an office have an outbreak and teleworking
resumes.
4. Allows for minimal use of PPE and sanitizing supplies with minimal staff onsite.
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 5. Allows for adequate time to clean and disinfect with minimal staff and customers onsite.

Non-Public Facing Staff
The following measures must be implemented for non-public facing staff in the court facility.
Non-Public Facing Staff Exposure Control Measures:
1. Chief Judges, District Administrators, and the State Court Administrator will identify and prioritize
judicial officers and staff returning to court facilities on a business need basis with the objective of
minimal onsite staffing and continued teleworking until further order of the Chief Justice.
2. Managers and supervisors will contact all staff to communicate assignments throughout this
transition.
3. If rotating staff through the office, it is recommended to rotate the same staff together to limit
exposure.
4. All staff and judicial officers are strongly encouraged to wear a cloth face covering. Staff and
judicial officers are encouraged, or if they prefer, to wear personal cloth face coverings if/when
Branch procured cloth face coverings are unavailable. Per CDC guidance, cloth face coverings
should be washed daily and reused. The Branch has procured 2 cloth face coverings for all staff
and judicial officers.
5. Accommodations for vulnerable or high risk staff will be made in accordance with guidance f rom
HR.
6. If staff reports a Positive (or Presumptive Positive) COVID-19 illness, the Employee Notification
Protocol needs to be followed.
7. Frequently wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds; utilize hand sanitizer if unable to use
soap and water.
8. Hand sanitizer should be a minimum of 60% alcohol.

Public Facing Staff
The following measures must be implemented for public facing staff in the court facility.
Public Facing Staff Exposure Control Measures:
1. Chief Judges, District Administrators, and the State Court Administrator will identify and prioritize
judicial officers and staff returning to court facilities on a business need basis with the objective of
minimal onsite staffing and continued teleworking until further order of the Chief Justice.
2. Maintain social distancing as much as possible including between court personnel (consistent
with courtroom requirements).
3. All staff and judicial officers are strongly encouraged to wear a cloth face covering. Staff and
judicial officers are encouraged, or if they prefer, to wear personal cloth face coverings if/when
Branch procured cloth face coverings are unavailable. Per CDC guidance, cloth face coverings
should be washed daily and reused. The Branch has procured 2 cloth face coverings for all staff
and judicial officers.
4. Limit the number of counters open to limit exposure.
5. Limit operating hours of the public service counters to specific days/times, or business needs to
allow for disinfecting and cleaning between customer interactions.
6. Encourage customers to conduct business through phone, email, and web.
7. Limit seating in waiting areas to allow for social distancing.
8. Remove access to vending machines, water fountains, etc. to limit exposure.
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 9. Frequently wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds; utilize hand sanitizer if unable to use
soap and water.
10. Hand sanitizer should be a minimum of 60% alcohol.
11. Hand sanitizer should be available for staff and public service counter users.
Recommendation:
1. Offer options for electronic document intake to reduce handling of paper.
2. Install partitions, if feasible, to allow for a barrier between staff and customers.
3. Consider staggering operations to allow for disinfecting and cleaning by local custodial staff.
4. Place floor markings to denote 6 foot (360 degrees) social distancing measures for lines.
5. Remove chairs or otherwise restrict access to enforce social distanci ng measures in seating areas.
6. Use stanchions to assist with moving customers through lines and keeping them at 6 foot (360
degrees) markings.
7. Post signage where staff and customers utilize elevators to limit capacity to minimize exposure in
the small space, as social distancing measures must be considered.
8. Consider traffic flow patterns to minimize cross traffic (1 door in and 1 door out).
9. Coordinate with maintenance personnel to ensure restrooms are stocked with soap and paper
towels.

Courtrooms
Social distancing and appropriate exposure control measures must be implemented and maintained
when courtrooms are used. Please note there is separate documentation for jury trial
recommendations.
Courtrooms Exposure Control Measures:
1. Maintain social distancing at all times including between court personnel.
2. All staff and judicial officers are strongly encouraged to wear a cloth face covering. Staff and
judicial officers are encouraged, or if they prefer, to wear personal cloth face co verings if/when
Branch procured cloth face coverings are unavailable. Per CDC guidance, cloth face coverings
should be washed daily and reused. The Branch has procured 2 cloth face coverings for all staff
and judicial officers.
3. Encourage the wearing of face coverings by all who are present in a courtroom, when social
distancing cannot be maintained.
4. Remote video participation, when technically feasible, should remain an option when social
distancing cannot be maintained.
5. Spread out jurors to allow for social distancing.
6. Clean/disinfect between each case as much as feasible by wiping down frequently touched
surfaces (table tops, microphone, podium, door handles, etc.).
7. Offer options for electronic document and exhibit intake to reduce handling of paper.
8. Frequently wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds; utilize hand sanitizer if unable to use
soap and water.
9. Hand sanitizer should be a minimum of 60% alcohol.
10. Hand sanitizer should be available for all judges, staff, and courtroom users.
Recommendation:
1. Install partitions if feasible and if social distancing cannot be maintained to allow for a barrier
between participants.
5

 Handling Mail and Hand Delivered Documents
According to the United States Postal Service, the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19
from a package that has been moved, traveled, and been exposed to different conditions and
temperature is low. According to the CDC, “in general, because of poor survivability of these
Coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from products or packaging that are
shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures. Coronaviruses are generally
thought to be spread most often by respiratory droplets.”
Handling Mail and Hand Delivered Documents Exposure Control Measures:
1. Frequently wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds; utilize hand sanitizer if unable to use
soap and water.
2. Hand sanitizer should be a minimum of 60% alcohol.
3. Clean/disinfect work area frequently.
Recommendation:
1. Provide means for public to electronically file documents versus filing paper documents in person.
2. Limit requirements for printing and distribution of hard copies to further limit exposure and/or
the need for couriers to deliver packages to judicial branch facilities.
3. Consider having all forms and packets available at the building entrance to reduce the need for
members of the public to travel through the building or on elevators.
4. Limit all deliveries (FedEx, UPS, etc.) to one entrance/location to reduce the need for additional
travel through the building or in elevators.

Purchases for Ongoing Operations
Purchasing will be coordinated by State Court Administration, the District Office or local court facility
dependent upon best price and availability of product. The following products must be purchased and
available in court facilities during the transition.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Cloth face coverings for court personnel
Hand Sanitizer
Disinfecting supplies
Paper masks for jurors
Partitions/Barriers

6

 MN Judicial Branch

Jury Management Resource Team (JMRT) Recommendations:
Re-starting Jury Trials during COVID-19
Approved by Judicial Council on May 14, 2020

JMRT's recommendations are based on prioritizing the safety and health of all, reducing confusion for jurors and
providing an efficient plan for staff that ensures a smooth transition to resuming trials. They also take into consideration
vendors' and other resources' availability and capacity.
The MN Judicial Branch will continue to actively monitor recommendations from the MDH, CDC and NCSC, and update
our practices accordingly. JMRT's Recommendations reference and follow the MJB COVID-19 Preparedness Plan.

1. How to Start
Considerations:
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The Other Side Workgroup recommended criminal jury trials to start with a Pilot in June, 2020. On May 14 the
Judicial Council adopted the recommendation.
Jurors need sufficient notice to notify employers, request postponements, find child care, etc.
The branch needs to start slowly to maintain jurors' and the public's trust and confidence in the jury process.
Vendors have limited supplies on hand to run our regular summoning processes and additional notices to restart
trials.
Each juror is authorized an automatic postponement when requested (even in non-pandemic times) and these
are being issued. Two new postponement codes were created for COVID-19 in Jury Systems Incorporated (JSI).
One tracks individuals whom report being symptomatic or who have likely been exposed to COVID-19. The other
code is for hardships, used when the individual can't serve due to something related to COVID-19. This is most
frequently being used for medical personnel, those who are high risk, and those who can't travel back from
winter homes.
By rule/law, individuals over 70 may serve, but are automatically excused upon request.

JMRT Recommendation:
a) Pilot Jury Trials: A short list of counties should pilot jury trials in order to test and report on feasibility of social
distancing and report back lessons learned to JMRT. Social distancing is paramount and means maintaining distance
of at least 6 feet (360 degrees) from others at all times. Refer to the MJB Preparedness Plan for further instruction
on social distancing.
b) The first weeks that any county is reopened for jury trials, there should only be enough jurors in the building at any
one time to hold one jury trial.

2. Pilot
Considerations:
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Judicial Council approved a pilot of criminal jury trials to start in June, 2020. The approved counties are:
Dakota, Hennepin, Olmsted, Ramsey, Beltrami, Blue Earth, McLeod, Scott.
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Pilot counties were selected from those whose Chief Judges volunteered to the Chief Justice. These pilot
counties are not required to hold a pilot during June 2020, but are the only ones allowed to do so.
Judicial Council approved that the pilots can include Grand Juries.

JMRT Recommendation
a) All pilots must fully adhere to the MJB COVID-19 Preparedness Plan and these JMRT recommendations, both of
which may be updated as additional information becomes available. Pilots will also provide feedback to JMRT to
update recommendations prior to state-wide rollout. This may be through a focus group, survey, or other
means. This includes monitoring and evaluating such things as: ability to maintain social distancing; ability to
maintain supplies; juror processes; and, other things we did not anticipate.
b) To pilot a Jury Trial, approved counties must complete the Jury Trial Pilot Checklist, to be signed by the District
Chief Judge and District Administrator. This includes a requirement that pilots engage local public health and
criminal justice partners for local support in putting together a location specific plan. Pilot counties may use
additional technical assistance and support from Statewide Jury Program, Central Jury Unit , and JMRT. Pilot
counties will submit their completed checklist for each jury trial they plan to do, alongside their location specific
plan, to Executive Council for approval.
c) Strict physical distancing of at least 6 feet (360 degrees) from others must be assured at all times among panel
members and court staff, at all points in the process.
Note: Jury Trial Pilot start dates must be determined well enough in advance to appropriately notice jurors.

3. Post-Pilot
Considerations:
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A small number of counties should be added in the weeks after completion of the Pilot.
Counties should engage their local public health and criminal justice partners for coordination of social
distancing implementation.
Counties' start dates need to be chosen and set in advance to allow for coordination of local staff, CJU,
and vendors to assure jurors will be on hand to start.

JMRT Recommendation:
a) All counties must fully adhere to the MJB COVID-19 Preparedness Plan and these JMRT recommendations, both
of which may be updated as additional information becomes available. Counties will also provide feedback to
JMRT to update recommendations during and after state-wide rollout.
b) Strict physical distancing of at least 6 feet (360 degrees) must be assured at all times among panel members,
judicial officers, and court staff, at all points in the process.

4. Limiting Potential Jurors' Physical Appearances
JMRT Recommendation:
a) Settlement Day/Roll Call:
a. A hearing with a deadline the week before for acceptance of any plea deal. After that week, only
straight up pleas would be accepted. Avoid using "waiting jury" to put pressure on parties for
settlement.
b) Limited Numbers Called for Each Trial:
a. Standard Panel Sizes should be used. The state standard jury panel sizes by case type are:
i. Murder I cases 50 jurors
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ii. Crim. Sex cases 30 jurors
iii. Murder II 28 jurors
iv. Felony cases 24 jurors
v. M/GM cases 16 jurors
vi. Civil cases 14 jurors (includes Conciliation Appeal)
b. If additional jurors are needed after voir dire of the first panel, an additional panel may be brought in.
This may lengthen the time to select a jury but will avoid exposing additional individuals.
c. Jurors should be brought in small groups with staggered arrival times (for example: no more than 10
arriving each 30 minutes). If current group numbering assignments in WebGEN+ are too large to
accomplish this, than the Jury Reporting Information should instruct smaller groups.
c) Use Supplemental Questionnaires to call in as few jurors as possible on a per trial basis.
a. Judges/counsel should consider using a Supplemental Questionnaire*, so counsel and judge can
eliminate any jurors prior to bringing them in. Judges/counsel could set up remote video conferencing
to voir dire individual jurors on more sensitive issues which would normally be done without other
jurors present. This would allow for their release prior to entering the courthouse. [*Supplemental
Questionnaires may be completed and returned by email--but must be filed as part of the case record.]
d) Use technology to limit in-person interaction
a. Consider instructing jurors to watch the orientation video online prior to arrival if they are able to
shorten the amount of time they spend in the orientation room.

5. Additional Trial Logistical Considerations
a) Sequestration:
a. Judges should discuss with counsel options for sequestering witnesses in the courthouse in isolated
rooms rather than having them sit in courtrooms--and for calling witnesses into the courthouse only
immediately prior to their testimony--even if this may result in temporary delays if the witness
preceding finishes early.
b. Judges may consider whether sequestration of jurors may be used in the event a seated jury is exposed
to a person with a known or suspected COVID-19 case.
b) Availability of lodging for potential sequestration of jurors should be determined in advance.
c) Quarantine:
a. Plans and consideration need to be made for a potential quarantine of a jury if exposed.

6. How to Prepare for Juror Arrival
Considerations:
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Social distancing of at least 6 feet (360 degrees) must always be maintained.
Jurors will be provided with paper face coverings and all jurors are strongly recommended to wear face
coverings at all times. Face coverings are not a replacement for social distancing - they are to be used together.
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/basics.html#mask
MDH recommends providing one paper bag to each juror to store their face covering in when they aren't
wearing it, such as during meals. This allows resource conservation so that jurors may re-use their face covering.
Physical barriers (example: Plexiglas walls or partitions) may also be installed.

JMRT Recommendation
a) Facility Logistics: Coordinate with facilities management and security, including local public health officials.
a. Examine your spaces and rooms to determine if they can accommodate social distancing pre-trial,
during the trial, during deliberations, etc. Consider whether you need to use different spaces. Consider
your space for orientation and breaks to allow social distancing. Consider your space for media or public
in the courtroom and social distancing.
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b)

c)

d)

e)

i. MN Statutes section 484.35, Temporary Courthouses: When the courthouse or place provided
for holding court in any county is destroyed or becomes unsafe or unfit for the purpose, or if no
courthouse can be provided, the judges may designate a convenient place at the county seat for
temporary use as such.
b. Identify larger rooms or courtrooms (audio and recording turned off, security videos turned off, etc.) to
use for deliberating jurors and/or assembly rooms. Remove clocks from deliberation areas if a concern.
c. Follow cleaning protocols from the MJB COVID-19 Preparedness Plan. Entrances, check-in windows,
public hallways, private passage ways, elevators, jury boxes, jury assembly, and deliberation areas need
to be cleaned and disinfected regularly. These areas should also be re-cleaned/disinfected after each
smaller group of jurors moves through. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/community/disinfecting-building-facility.html
d. Stock extra tape for floor marking (Xs) and other social distancing marking.
e. Add extra trash cans for disposing of tissue, gloves, and face coverings.
f. Eliminate extra chairs or mark with signs not to sit in chairs in between. Ensure there is at least at least 6
feet (360 degrees) on all sides around each individual.
g. May need temporary video screens so that evidence presentations via technology are available to all
jurors.
Juror Amenities:
a. Coffee and beverage services should be eliminated, as well as vending machines (see MJB COVID-19
Preparedness Plan). Consider allowing jurors to bring their own full travel mugs and snacks.
b. Remove games, cards, puzzles and magazines and other activities from juror waiting areas.
c. If a courthouse has lockers available for jurors, find a method for labeling them so jurors can use the
same locker throughout their stay and limit the number of jurors in locker rooms at any given time.
d. Consider food vendors that provide individual meals instead of shared pizzas or buffet style. It's
important to avoid more than one person handling food.
e. Order extra note pads and pens. Do not recycle--each juror gets a new item. They can take their pens
with them.
COVID-19 Precautions:
a. Stock paper face coverings, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and facial tissue for jurors.
b. Jurors will be provided paper face coverings and strongly encouraged to wear them at all times. Jurors
should be provided a paper bag to store their face covering when not in use.
c. Jurors should be advised not to come in under any circumstances if they have any symptoms of illness.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html
Checking in preparation:
a. Swap out porous hardboard clipboards and replace with plastic clipboards. Staff should clean the
clipboards with disinfectant wipes before returning to jury office.
b. Eliminate reusable "juror" name tags. Order disposable sticker name tags if needed.
c. Consider whether juror orientation needs to be conducted in smaller groups because of the available
room size.
d. Plan to send smaller numbers of jurors in elevators (staff/bailiff on both ends to control movement) and
space out jurors in hallways (see MJB COVID-19 Preparedness Plan).
Update information on websites regarding any items no longer allowed into the courthouse and items which
now many be brought in (such as an individual beverage container or snacks).

7. Checking in Jurors
JMRT Recommendation:
a) Jurors should be advised not to come in under any circumstances if they have any symptoms of illness.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html
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b) No kiosk use by jurors. May take tablets out of kiosks or have staff run kiosks to have more stations for checking in
jurors with greater social distance--consider whether it would be difficult to keep distance between personnel and
juror when entering bar code or scan.
c) Prefer scanning bar code from Jury Mobile App versus passing paper summons with bar codes back and forth. Jury
Mobile App is on JAD agenda for May 20th for approval. Otherwise, scan bar code on summons without touching or
passing summons back and forth.
d) Space out jurors waiting to be checked-in by staggered arrival times and check marks on the floor (see MJB COVID19 Preparedness Plan).
e) Do not require signing in, but have staff take roll call and check any address/mileage notations.

8. Juror Processes
JMRT Recommendations:
Strict physical distancing of at least 6 feet (360 degrees) must be assured at all times among panel members and court
staff, at all points in the process. Face coverings are not a replacement for social distancing - they are to be used
together.
a) Follow predetermined plans for supplemental questionnaires and specialized voir dire, spacing out seating, meal
vendors, moving jurors through hallways and elevators.
b) When seating jurors in courtroom for voir dire--seated and lined up in reversed random order before entering
courtroom so they don't have to cross each other when called and walking to the box.
c) If someone is excused--may consider leaving them in place rather than having them leave the room and having
them pass by the others in their row to get out.
d) Consider not passing a microphone. Ask jurors to speak up instead.
e) Counsel may not approach the jury.
f) Do not have jurors back in chambers after trial.
g) Use technology to publish exhibits rather than passing documents into and around jury box.
h) May consider individual voir dire and keep waiting jurors in small, spaced-out groups elsewhere.
i) Deliberation: Identify larger rooms or courtrooms (audio and recording turned off, security videos turned off,
etc.) to use for deliberating jurors and/or assembly rooms. Remove clocks from deliberation areas if a concern.

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MJB JURY TRIAL PILOT CHECKLIST
Please complete this checklist and submit it, along with your Local Jury Trial Pilot Plan, to the Executive Committee for approval.

1. OVERALL
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Implement all recommendations in MJB COVID-19 Preparedness Plan

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Implement all recommendations in JMRT "Re-starting Jury Trials during COVID-19" Document

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Update local website and juror communication

2. PHYSICAL SPACE
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Map out courtroom to allow for strict physical distancing of 6 feet (360 degrees) for all panel members and court
staff through all points in the jury process

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Ensure signage, floor marking, chair placement, etc. reflect the necessary social distancing

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Establish space for deliberations that is not recorded, watched, listened to or observed

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Ensure paper face coverings are available for Jurors - one per day

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Construct any physical barriers, such as Plexiglas panels or partitions, that may be added for safety

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Determine a facilities cleaning and sanitation plan

3. CREATE A LOCAL PLAN
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Prepare a location specific plan for a socially distanced jury trial in your specific courthouse

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Reach out to Statewide Jury Program, JMRT or Central Jury for technical assistance or troubleshooting

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Determine who will monitor and enforce social distancing protocols and implementation (Court staff? Public health
official? Bailiff?)

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Determine how your location will handle the media and court attendees for the jury trial

4. LOCAL PARTNERSHIP
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Review location specific plan with local public health officials, and establish plan for ongoing guidance

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Review location specific plan with local criminal justice partners, and establish plan for ongoing collaboration

5. JUROR PROCESS
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Establish a check in and orientation process that complies with social distancing requirements

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Determine a plan for exhibits utilizing technology rather than each juror handling exhibits

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Plan for individual juror supplies (paper/pens) and individually packaged meals, should that be needed

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Use standard jury panel sizes based on case type

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Determine a plan for sequestration, should that be needed

Case Number: ______________________________ _________

Date Response Needed: _______________________________

_______________________________

___________

_______________________________

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District Chief Judge Signature

Date

District Administrator Signature

Date