| Jury trials resume in the 2nd Judicial District |
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
DENVER – Jury trials resumed this week in all courts (district, probate, juvenile and county) in the 2nd Judicial District (Denver County).
Trials by jury are fundamental to the American system of justice, but the pandemic forced a near-total suspension of jury trials in the district and in Colorado through orders from former Colorado Supreme Chief Justice Nathan B. Coats and 2nd Judicial District Chief Judge Michael Martinez.
With the increasing availability of vaccines, particularly to those most vulnerable to COVID-19, and improved metrics related to the disease, the time to resume jury trials has arrived.
Chief Judge Martinez has adopted a jury trial plan in consultation with other judges, court staff, attorneys and stakeholders. The plan involves social distancing, limitations on gathering sizes, required use of masks, increased cleaning and sanitizing of public areas, and other appropriate measures to ensure the safety of all participants. There are two courthouses in the 2nd Judicial District to which jurors may be summoned.
Those with questions about jury service should contact the jury commissioner at 303-606-2305 or denverjury@judicial.state.co.us. Information is available at http://denver.cojury.org.
The courts will continue to use videoconferencing for hearings and other court appearances. Virtual courtroom information and access instructions may be found at https://www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/District/Custom.cfm?District_ID=2&Page_ID=856.