TEXARKANA, Ark. - As states slowly begin to ease restrictions meant to stymie the spread of the potentially fatal COVID-19 virus, courts in Arkansas are adjusting.
Jailed defendants are appearing before judges via closed-circuit television. Non-essential hearings are being delayed or held via videoconferencing.
An order from the Arkansas Supreme Court suspends all jury trials until June 30. A letter from the state's high court sent to Arkansas circuit judges Friday provides guidance and encourages courts to begin planning now.
Circuit Judge Carlton Jones said he and other local judges are in the process of evaluating options for future trials in Miller and Lafayette counties.
The May 1 letter to judges from the Arkansas Supreme Court encourages judges to explore using alternative facilities for trials, such as "auditoriums, school gymnasiums or other buildings," in order to maintain a six-foot social distance.
"Gaining permission to use the site, determining the timeframes the site is available, and coordination and good communication with both court staff and non-court staff are just a few of the considerations when using a location other than a courthouse," the May 1 letter states.
The letter suggests that judges in larger jurisdictions with more than one judge in a single courthouse should consider staggering their trial schedules so they don't overlap with other hearings or trials in other courts.
"Continue conducting online proceedings in all cases where feasible even after the prohibition on in-person proceedings is lifted and phase in jury trials," the letter states. "This limits the risk of exposure for all involved and eases the strain on limited resources like masks, hand sanitizer and on staff required to implement screening measures."
The high court's letter also encourages circuit judges to consider conducting civil jury trials with only six jurors if all parties involved agree. Criminal cases must be decided by 12-member juries.
