In courtrooms, space adjusted for jury trials

B.C.’s courtrooms are being reconfigured to allow criminal jury trials to resume in early September.

Courtrooms throughout the province are being assessed to determine whether physical distancing can be maintained between jurors, members of the public, witnesses and lawyers during jury selection, the trial itself and the jury’s deliberation process at the end of the trial, the B.C. Supreme Court says.

Regular operation of the courts was suspended March 19 to protect public health and help contain the spread of COVID-19. However, essential and urgent matters have continued to be heard by phone and through video appearances.

Criminal jury trials are expected to resume Sept. 8. Civil jury selections and trials have been cancelled until January.

Courtrooms will be altered to increase the distance between jurors and other individuals. If physical distancing is impossible, clear plastic barriers will be installed, said the court.

Jurors may be asked to wear face shields or masks. People who are concerned about serving on a jury will be excused at the jury selection process, said the court.

In smaller courthouses where public-health guidelines can’t be met, jury trials may be moved to community centres or hotels, or to another court within the same judicial district. If the only suitable alternative location is outside the judicial district, a change of venue application might be necessary, said the court.

If this happens, the court will try to provide a video link from the trial to a facility in the original location of the trial.

In order to limit the number of people attending court at the same time, jury selection will proceed in two stages, on two separate dates. Once a juror is chosen, he or she will be permitted to leave the courthouse after receiving instructions from the judge.

The Victoria courthouse has gradually reopened with health and safety measures in place. Sheriffs greet members of the public at the front door on Burdett Avenue. Individuals are asked if they have any cough or cold symptoms and whether they have travelled anywhere in the last 14 days. People entering the courthouse are asked to sanitize their hands and are offered a mask.