Under pressure from anxious lawyers, court workers and judges around the state, Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye late Monday suspended all jury trials across the state for 60 days.

In an order citing constitutional and statutory authority, the chief justice also empowered trial courts to adopt "any proposed rules or rule amendment" intended to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The courts' rule changes will not have to circulate for the typical 45 days of public comment.

The order notes that courts have not been able to comply with orders for Californians to stay home and to maintain six feet of distance among themselves.