JURY TRIALS IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER

Chief Judge Marx has announced that the Circuit will hold a limited number of jury trials in October and November. The Clerk of Court will summons citizens of Palm Beach County for jury service over the next couple of weeks. If you are summoned, please know that the Circuit is working with the County, the Clerk of Court, and the Sheriff’s Office to ensure the safety of those who are called to serve on a jury. Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) will be provided to each juror, the courtrooms are outfitted with plexiglass, and social distancing will be enforced. Please use the attached link to see the safeguards implemented by the Circuit .

The Courts have remained open during the pandemic. Court staff, the public, and the judges have been kept safe from the virus because of the use of PPEs and the County’s regular cleaning schedule. Hearings have continued to be held primarily via remote technology. However, some essential hearings are being held in-person. Please contact the clerk of court if you are unsure as to how to access your court event (561-355-2996). Also, see Administrative Order 12.510 for details related to court events.

Masks are required for everyone entering a courthouse. At the courthouse front door, each person’s temperature will be taken in a non-intrusive manner. Persons with a temperature over 100 degrees Fahrenheit will not be permitted to enter. Additionally, persons who wish to enter a courthouse must be able to answer “no” to the Florida Supreme Court COVID-19 health and safety questions:

1. Have you recently had close contact with a person with COVID-19?
2. Have you been diagnosed with COVID-19, are you waiting for test results, or do you have a cough, fever, or shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19?
3. Have you recently traveled from somewhere out the United States or on a cruise ship?
4. Are you under instructions to self-isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19?

Persons who can answer “yes” to any of the questions are prohibited from entering.

General questions may be addressed to DOats@pbcgov.org. Jury questions may be addressed to clerkweb@mypalmbeachclerk.com

Press Release from Chief Judge Marx - October 5, 2020