Select Cook County courts to resume jury trials next month

After more than a year, jury trials are set to resume at two Cook County courthouses by late March, according to an order issued Wednesday by Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans.

"Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we have established procedures to safeguard the health of all persons in the courthouses. Every reasonable precaution will be taken to protect the health and safety of the jurors, parties, witnesses, lawyers and court staff during jury selection and the trial to follow," Evans wrote in a letter sent to prospective jurors.

Criminal jury trials are set to resume March 22 at the George N. Leighton Criminal Courthouse on 26th Street and March 29 at the Fifth Municipal District Courthouse in Bridgeview.

Evans did not indicate when jury trials will resume at the Third Municipal District in Rolling Meadows, although officials have suggested it might be this spring.

To ensure proper distancing, one courtroom will be used for the trial, a second courtroom will be used for jury deliberations and a third will be open for members of the public to watch a broadcast of proceedings.

Everyone entering the courthouse must wear a mask and have a temperature check; gloves are not required but will be available for prospective jurors who want them as will additional masks and hand sanitizer.

On-site cafeterias will be closed, but vending machines are available. Prospective jurors can bring their own lunches.

Courthouse employees will seat prospective jurors to maintain social distancing. An orientation video is available at cookcountycourt.org/for-jurors/jurorvideo.

In addition, jury deferment has been lowered from age 70 to age 65.