 Date of Release:
August 28, 2020
Point of Contact:
Kasey D. Morgan 847-377-3818
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Waukegan, Illinois
The Nineteenth Judicial Circuit’s Jury Task Force comprised of criminal and civil judges, court administration, and the Lake County Health Department, worked together to form protocols in order to safely resume jury trials in light of COVID-19. The task force studied best practices from the National Center for State Courts, and also consulted state and national jury trial experts in order to develop appropriate procedures to meet the current health crisis.
Judicial members of the task force included co-chairs Circuit Judge Victoria Rossetti and Circuit Judge Mitchell Hoffman. The other judicial members of the task force were Circuit Judge Daniel Shanes, Associate Judge David Brodsky, and Associate Judge George Strickland.
“An extraordinary amount of effort went into our ‘Serving Safely Plan,’ to protect the health of all involved parties during a jury trial. We realize the sacrifices we are asking of jurors and appreciate all concerns. We would not be bringing in any jurors if it were not necessary, and if we had not taken necessary steps to protect participants’ safety. Promoting public trust and confidence is paramount for the courts. Jury trials are the cornerstone of our democracy,” said Judge Victoria Rossetti.
The task force developed temporary policies for jury trials that will safeguard due process, while also prioritizing the safety of all parties involved including jurors, attorneys, court staff, and the public. These procedures were reviewed with the guidance of the Lake County Health Department.
To view the 19th Judicial Circuits ‘Serving Safely Plan’ video, which describes safety measures that have been put in place by the task force, please visit: YouTube.
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