May 15, Anna Offit, assistant professor SMU Dallas Dedman School of Law, for a commentary about how to restart and reform our jury system and make it “pandemic-proof.” Published in The Hill: bit.ly/36bFLqT
COVID-19 has upended nearly every aspect of our lives. But while we may be able to avoid movie theatres and malls for a few months, our engagement with some institutions cannot — and should not — be suspended. One is the jury trial, which guarantees that criminal and civil defendants can make their case before their peers. The jury trial is enshrined as a right in the U.S. Constitution, and it is fundamental to how we understand justice.
Dozens of states have given themselves until June or later to decide how to proceed. There should be no ambiguity: it is imperative that jury trials continue and are improved to meet the unprecedented challenges associated with COVID-19. If done thoughtfully, we can create jury trials that are safer and less onerous for those who report for jury duty. . .
Continue reading “It’s time to build a pandemic-proof, juror-friendly trial”