Press Release  Jury Management Advisory Committee Issues Recommendations for Jury Trials During Pandemic

BOSTON, MA — The Jury Management Advisory Committee of the Supreme Judicial Court has issued recommendations on the resumption of jury trials in Massachusetts state courts, which have been postponed since March because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The justices of the SJC asked the Committee to provide guidance on how to recommence jury trials in Massachusetts courts, and this report responds to that mandate.

The Committee consulted with public health officials, bar associations, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and others in developing their report, which seeks to balance the need to resume jury trials with the need to protect the health and safety of jurors, litigants, lawyers, court personnel and the public. 

The Committee's comprehensive report includes recommendations for a phased resumption of jury trials, and outlines recommended practices for each phase.

“The Justices are grateful to the committee members for the substantial work they performed to produce a thorough and thoughtful report in a short period of time,” said Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Ralph Gants.

Before acting on the report, the SJC is inviting public comment on the proposed recommendations. See Notice Soliciting Comments.

Members of the Jury Management Advisory Committee:

Chief Justice Judith Fabricant, Chair, Superior Court

Hon. Sarah W. Ellis, District Court

Hon. Serge Georges, Boston Municipal Court

Hon. William F. Mazanec, District Court

Hon. David Ricciardone, Superior Court

Hon. Gloria Y. Tan, Juvenile Court

Hon. Mark C. Gildea, Member-Elect, Superior Court

Pamela J. Wood, Jury Commissioner

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