New Mexico's courts system to resume jury trials

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's state court system plans in mid-June to resume jury trials that had been suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.

An order issued Thursday by the state Supreme Court’s chief justice lifts the suspension that has been in place since March.

The order says the 13 judicial districts can start jury trials beginning June 15 through July 15 but that districts must first submit plans detailing operating procedures and precautions to protect public health and safety. That will include physical distancing of people in courtrooms and jury selection rooms and the use of protective barriers in courthouses.

Chief Justice Judith Nakamura's order said courts will rigorously follow practices developed by public health authorities and that courthouses will be reopened “in a safe and gradual manner that is based on the local circumstances and available resources in each judicial district."

New Mexico's courts have already required that people entering court buildings wear a protective face covering and have limited the number of people in locations within courthouses.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.