COVID protocols put in place for jury term
Escambia County (Ala.) Presiding Circuit Judge Jeff White said COVID protocols are being taken to hold the criminal court week Sept. 13 through 24 at the courthouse in Brewton and as of Tuesday the plans are to continue with the session.
“We are monitoring it closely,” White said.
White said 350 jury summons were sent out instead of the normal 350 to 400 in an effort to reduce numbers. He said all trials will take place in the large courtroom to maintain social distancing. He also said masks will be required.
Potential jurors should have received a questionnaire and White encourages everyone to complete them online prior to the court term.
“That will help the process,” he said. “It will give us more accurate numbers on how many jurors to expect.”
White added that by jurors completing the questionnaire online it will enable the court to communicate with the jurors more efficiently should plans for the week change.
The questionnaire includes 11 questions for jurors to answer. The first seven deal with the eligibility to serve on a jury which includes: You are a citizen of the United States; you have been a resident of Escambia County for more than 12 months; you are over the age of 19; you are able to read, speak, understand and follow instructions given by a judge in the English language; you are capable by reason of physical and mental ability to render satisfactory jury service; you are not afflicted with any permanent disease or physical weakness whereby you are unfit to discharge the duties of a juror; and you have not lost the right to vote by conviction of any offense involving moral turpitude (certain felony convictions).
Due to COVID-19 the questionnaire also includes four statements giving possible reasons to be excused from jury duty. Those include: I am currently positive for the coronavirus; I am currently ill and I am concerned that I may test positive for the coronavirus; I am caring for a family member or loved one who has tested positive for the coronavirus; and I am afraid to be in a room with a large group of people.
