Don’t expect to argue before a Florida state jury in the next two weeks, as all jury trials have been suspended over coronavirus fears.

The suspension includes all grand jury proceedings, jury selection, criminal and civil jury trials, according to an order from Chief Justice Charles T. Canady, which encouraged judges to conduct proceedings electronically where possible.

It will last until at least March 27, but doesn’t include jurors currently serving on a case, unless the judge orders otherwise. The order means all time periods for speedy trials for criminal and juvinile cases will be suspended for two weeks.

The Southern DIstrict of Florida has also suspended all new jury trials.

Criminal defendants entitled to a speedy trial can seek an exception in the Southern District of Florida, which said the chief judge must approve the request.

The orders could be extended, pending further review.

Related stories:

Miami-Dade Civil Court Employee Tested for Coronavirus

Instant Insights: As Coronavirus Spreads, Legal Industry Shifts into Crisis Management Mode

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.