Courts in Harris County are conducting in-person jury trials. The courts’ video, “Justice Requires Jurors,” shows what trials look like with COVID-19 precautions. (Photo: Harris County District Courts)
The Texas Supreme Court hit the brakes on an in-person jury trial in Houston this week, even though justices last year denied similar requests to continue trials as COVID-19 spread across the Lone Star State.
Yet this time, as infection rates—reaching their highest point ever–have begun overrunning intensive care units in some Texas cities, the justices have issued an about-face by granting an emergency motion to stay a trial in Harris County’s 151st District Court. Justice Jimmy Blacklock dissented, noting he would have denied the stay.
