Jury trials in New Mexico to resume in February

Jury trials in New Mexico will resume in February 2021 after being suspended last month as part of a statewide effort to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, the New Mexico Supreme Court ordered on Monday (Dec. 14).

“The right to a jury trial is a fundamental part of our democracy and we greatly appreciate the willingness of New Mexicans to carry out their civic duty as jurors,” said

Chief Justice Michael E. Vigil in a press release prepared by Barry Massey, public information officer.

New Mexico's high court chose to suspend jury trials, but not grand juries, for the second time this year as the state saw its largest spike in new infections and deaths caused by the novel coronavirus. The order coincided with a public health order from the state that shut down non-essential businesses and asked New Mexicans to avoid travel for two weeks.

Courts throughout the state have remained open during the pandemic, but non-jury trials and other civil and criminal proceedings have been conducted through video and telephone conferencing. Judges in Taos have utilized Google Hangouts to meet with state prosecutors, attorneys and their clients for hearings.

The suspension, along with other complications caused by the pandemic, have backed up an already heavy caseload in the 8th Judicial District, which covers Taos, Colfax and Union counties.

People wishing to enter a courthouse in New Mexico must continue to wear masks and will undergo a mandatory health screening and temperature-check before entry, according to Monday's updated order. Courts are also required to maintain a list of people who enter courtrooms and keep them on file for four weeks.

Court managers with staff members who test positive for the virus are required to make a report to the Supreme Court Emergency Response team. Court officers and employees are also not allowed to travel out of state for any workrelated reasons as the pandemic continues. Personal travel out of state is "strongly discouraged," the order reads.

“The Supreme Court and its Emergency Response Team constantly monitors public health conditions and will continue to take every step necessary to ensure courts safeguard New Mexicans needing access to the justice system,” said Chief Justice Vigil.

For more information on the courts in the 8th Judicial District, visit