We are pleased to inform you that civil jury trials are now being conducted in several counties throughout New York State. On September 9, 2020, Chief Judge of the State of New York Janet DiFiore began a week-long jury trial pilot program across the state. During that program, a limited number of jury trials began in certain areas of New York, with civil and criminal trials commencing in Suffolk, Schuyler, and Erie Counties. Since the start of this program, daily reports have been issued covering how these trials have been going.
Following those initial trials, during the week of September 21 to 25, another nine trials (both criminal and civil) began in the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 9th judicial districts of New York, as well as in Suffolk County. Since the start of these trials, some have settled, while others remain in progress. In the coming weeks, the program aims to begin trials in Oneida, Orange, and Westchester Counties. Throughout the pilot program, judges, jurors, and attorneys have been surveyed on how the courts can further improve safety protocols.
According to Judge DiFiore, since the start of the pilot program, courts outside of New York City have scheduled 70 civil and criminal trials. More than 21 trials have been completed, with approximately 37 resulting in settlement or pleas. A further nine cases have been adjourned and one ended in a mistrial. There continue to be other trials scheduled in districts outside of New York City.
It was expected that jury trials would commence in New York City by mid to late-October, with jury summonses already going out to prospective jurors in the City. The plan was to begin with limited trials, and then expand to a fuller court docket as safety allowed. We are now pleased to report that jury trials are being conducted throughout New York City and the Greater Metro Area.
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