On October 26, NYS Chief Judge Janet DiFiore provided this video update to report on the continuing status of the jury pilot. Feedback from jurors and attorneys has been positive, and there have been no complaints about the health and safety procedures currently in place to protect all court users. She highlighted one note in particular from an attorney who tried a case in Bronx Supreme Court that was particularly moving.
New York City criminal courts will soon see jury trials, with one scheduled in Kings, New York, and Richmond Counties each. Queens and Bronx Counties will follow next week.
Chief Judge DiFiore also notes that while there have been 35 jury trials completed across the state, there have also been countless in-person and virtual bench trials, particularly in the New York City Housing Court. New virtual in-take procedures are also in place in New York City Family Court to handle family offense matters that require immediate court intervention and critical services.
The Chief Judge also highlighted the important work of court reporters during this time of remote proceedings.