Administrative Judge Amy Corrigall Jones announced today updated Summit County Common Pleas Court jury protocols implemented due to COVID-19.   The Order and Policy, which can be found on the Court’s website https://www.summitcpcourt.net/juror-information/juror-covid-frequently-asked-questions/, details policies implemented to ensure all jury trials comply with current health safety and social distancing standards. All protocols are subject to modification by the Court should circumstances arise.

“The new Order and Policy seek to allow jury trials that must proceed in the interest of justice to do so with the highest level of safeguards in place to protect our employees, jurors, parties, attorneys, and the public,” explained Corrigall Jones.

Jones continued, “The Common Pleas Court is taking every available precaution during this public health crisis and limiting the number of people coming into the Courthouse.”

Under the new policy, juror notifications contain a letter with information regarding the new reporting location and instructions on how to express a COVID-19 reason for being excused from jury service.

Jurors reporting for jury service will be notified to report to the Ceremonial Courtroom on the second floor of the Domestic Relations Court building.

Jurors are being asked to adhere to health safety guidelines during breaks.   For convenience, jurors can bring food and drink into the courthouse or order boxed lunches from Street Treats, a cafe located in the basement of the Courthouse.

Prospective jurors are being asked to self-monitor whether they are experiencing any of the following symptoms within the last 72 hours or have been exposed to someone experiencing these symptoms:
 

Fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
Persistent, dry cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Chills, muscle pain or sore throat
New loss of taste or smell
Nausea or vomiting

Jurors experiencing these symptoms or not feeling well are directed to not come to the Courthouse and instead call to be excused from jury service.

Those who enter the courthouse are required to wear a face mask, have their temperature checked and complete a brief assessment.  Entry will be denied if an individual’s temperature is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

Those receiving a jury summons can call (330) 643-8173 or email Jury@cpcourt.summitoh.net should they have questions.

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Contact:          Susan Sweeney, Assistant Court Executive Officer

330.643.7840 – ssweeney@cpcourt.summitoh.net