The Western Judicial Circuit, which includes courts in Athens-Clarke and Oconee counties, expects in-person jury trials to resume in March, with juror summons expected to be sent out by the end of February, according to a press release from the circuit.
Georgiaâs jury trials have been suspended since March 2020, when the chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Court declared a statewide judicial emergency due to the pandemic. The Western Judicial Circuit expects the next extension of this emergency, set for March 9, to authorize jury trials to resume as local conditions allow, according to the release.
The circuitâs local committee has identified the Classic Center as a safe alternative location for ACC jury selection and trials to resume. For Oconee County, the committee identified the Oconee County Civic Center as a location for jury assembly, but trials will still occur at the Oconee County Courthouse with social distancing enforced, according to the release.