Erie County Court of Common Pleas to resume criminal jury trials Aug. 18
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 16, 2020
CONTACT:
Robert Catalde, Court Administrator
rcatalde@eriecountypa.gov
814-451-6295
Erie, PA – Erie County President Judge John J. Trucilla announces the 6th Judicial District of Pennsylvania and the Court of Common Pleas of Erie County will resume criminal jury trials on a limited basis, effective Tuesday, August 18.
Jurors who are summoned to report for jury duty will receive a letter informing them of the protective measures the Erie County Courthouse is taking to ensure the health and safety of the public and courts amid the public health emergency from COVID-19.
Such measures include:
- Thermal temperature checks and simple screening questions. No one with a confirmed fever over 100.0 degrees F will be admitted into the courthouse.
- Social distancing will be practiced inside the courthouse, including inside the jury assembly rooms, courtrooms, elevators, or when moving throughout the courthouse.
- A mask or face covering is required of all individuals while inside the courthouse. Jurors must bring their own mask. If they do not have one, a disposable mask will be provided.
- Hand sanitizer and wipe stations will be placed at key areas.
- Court employees are instructed to stay home if they do not feel well and to inform a supervisor if they notice a coworker or member of the public with a cough, shortness of breath, or other known symptoms of COVID-19.
“Despite the changes to everyday life from COVID-19, the duty still exists to ensure access to the courts,” Trucilla said. “The right to a jury trial is a fundamental constitutional element in our form of government. While cognizant of a defendant’s right to a jury trial, the Court is also committed to the safety and well-being of all who enter our courthouse.”
For more information, visit https://juryduty.eriecountypa.gov/. Jurors can also contact the Jury Coordinator’s office at 814-451-6059 or bhudson@eriecountypa.gov.
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