The New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) released a report and recommendations for the resumption of jury trials in the New Jersey courts following the systemic disruption of trials due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposals are meant to aid the restart of jury trials while accommodating and preserving essential constitutional protections and protecting the health of all involved in the justice system.
The NJSBA Pandemic Task Force Committee on the Resumption of Jury Trials conducted a comprehensive review of best practices in many jurisdictions and devoted hours of collective thought, analysis and debate among practitioners who are regularly engaged in trial practice on behalf of their clients. The task force was comprised of civil trial attorneys, criminal defense attorneys, county prosecutors and former members of the Judiciary. The New Jersey Association for Justice and Trial Attorneys of New Jersey also reviewed and endorsed the report.
