NOTICE TO THE BAR
COVID-19 – VIRTUAL CIVIL JURY TRIALS
The Supreme Court has authorized a two-phase approach to implementing virtual civil jury trials during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Court’s January 7, 2021 Order provides for virtual civil jury trials to begin in five vicinages on or after February 1, 2021, with consent required during the initial implementation. As of April 5, 2021, virtual civil jury trials will expand to all counties with no requirement of consent.
The Court’s approved plan for virtual civil jury trials incorporates suggestions from various stakeholder organizations, including the New Jersey State Bar Association, New Jersey Association for Justice, New Jersey Defense Association, Trial Attorneys of New Jersey, County Bar Associations, and many individual attorneys.
*The Court’s January 7, 2021 Order, followed by Directive #02-21 (“COVID-19 – Electronic Evidence in Virtual Civil Jury Trials – Supreme Court’s January 7, 2021 Order”) are all attached below.*
Questions regarding this notice, directive, and order may be directed to the Office of the Administrative Director of the Courts.
/s/Hon. Glenn A. Grant
Acting Administrative Director of the Courts
Dated: January 7, 2021
Notice – Virtual Civil Jury Trials During COVID-19 – 01-07-21.pdf
Directive 02-21 – Electronic Evidence in Virtual Civil Jury Trials – 01-07-21.pdf
Order – Authorizing Virtual Civil Jury Trials During COVID-19 – 01-07-21.pdf