LA Superior Court Resumes Jury Trials, In a Sign that the Covid Pandemic is Waning

The Los Angeles Superior Court will resume jury trials this week. The order from the presiding judge covers both Civil and Criminal jury trials. Jurors will be expected to wear face masks.

"I remain in close contact with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to assess any emerging virus threats. However, while virus spread and hospitalizations are declining, it is time to restore full trial operations," the official press release quotes Judge Eric C. Taylor.

The nations largest State Court system, the LA Superior Courts operate 25 courthouses in Los Angeles County. The official press release is below.

PRESIDING JUDGE ERIC C. TAYLOR ANNOUNCES FULL RESUMPTION OF CRIMINAL, CIVIL JURY TRIALS EFFECTIVE MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Mandatory Face Mask Order Remains in Effect in All Courthouses

Presiding Judge Eric C. Taylor today announced the full resumption of Civil jury trials and Criminal trials and preliminary hearings beginning Monday, February 14 as the Omicron surge continues to subside in Los Angeles County. The Court's longstanding mandatory face mask Order remains in effect.

"The Court is working with its justice partners and members of the Civil bar to resume full trial operations now that COVID trends are improving in LA County after the Omicron surge," Presiding Judge Taylor said. "Throughout the pandemic, we have prioritized safe access to justice – and will continue to do so. I remain in close contact with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to assess any emerging virus threats. However, while virus spread and hospitalizations are declining, it is time to restore full trial operations."

Since early January, Presiding Judge Taylor issued General Orders to extend last-day deadlines for Criminal jury trials, preliminary hearings and other matters. During this time, Civil judicial officers largely elected to pause Civil jury trials and prioritized Virtual Mandatory Settlement Conferences to facilitate case resolution. With COVID trends continuing to improve, Criminal trials, preliminary hearings, and Civil cases ready for trial, will resume with the public health measures the Court has in place for safe access to justice.

The Court's mandatory face mask order, General Order 2021-GEN-023-00, remains in effect. All persons – regardless of vaccination status – are required to wear face coverings over their nose and mouth while in a courthouse. Persons whose disabilities preclude them from wearing face coverings compliant with the guidance are urged to seek an accommodation under Rule 1.100 of the California Rules of Court in advance of their court appearance or appointment. A list of ADA liaisons is available at http://www.lacourt.org/ada/adahome.aspx.

Persons seeking services from the Clerk's Office and court support services are encouraged to schedule appointments in advance. For telephone or video assistance, or to schedule an appointment, the telephone number for each courthouse is listed at the courthouse entry and posted on the Court's website, http://www.lacourt.org.

Presiding Judge Taylor also continues to encourage litigants and attorneys to appear remotely for their hearing using the Court's LACourtConnect system. To register to appear remotely, visit lacourt.org/lacc/ to learn more and start the registration process. Video appearances are strongly encouraged.

For more information, follow the Court on Twitter (@LASuperiorCourt) and visit the Court's website (LACourt.org).