RESUMPTION OF IN-PERSON JURY TRIALS ON OR AFTER JUNE 15, 2021 – PRIORITIZATION OF CRIMINAL TRIALS THAT INVOLVE DETAINED DEFENDANTS

The Supreme Court has authorized the resumption of in-person criminal jury trials, and some in-person civil jury trials, effective on or after June 15, 2021. Criminal jury trials will be conducted in person and will be the priority, with cases that involve detained defendants continuing to receive the highest priority. Most civil jury trials at present will continue to be conducted in a virtual format. The Court’s May 11, 2021 Order is attached.

The Court’s authorization to resume in-person jury trials is based on improved COVID-19 trends throughout New Jersey. In-person jury trials will be conducted with necessary health precautions, including social distancing and the requirement that participants wear face masks except in limited circumstances when other health protections are in place. As announced in this May 6, 2021 notice, up to 50% of judges and state court employees will be present in state court locations as of June 15, 2021. Those on-site judges and state court employees will support upcoming in-person jury trials and other court events.

The Court in a separate May 11, 2021 Order also has authorized the resumption of in-person grand jury sessions, which must be conducted with necessary health precautions.

Questions about this notice may be directed to the Office of the Administrative Director of the Courts at (609) 376-3000

/s/ Hon. Glenn A. Grant, J.A.D.

Acting Administrative Director of the Courts

Dated: May 11, 2021

Notice and Order – Resumption of Certain In-Person Jury Trials Effective June 15, 2021; Prioritization of Criminal Jury Trials – 05-11-21 – corrected.pdf