March 9, 2021 4:36pm
The demands of the high-profile Derek Chauvin court proceedings combined with the limitations of large gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic have created an unusual courtroom setting in the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis. Here s where participants will be positioned in courtroom C-1856. Jury selection started Tuesday, March 9 and opening statements are slated for March 29.
Seating: Far fewer seats than usual will be available in order to maintain social distancing. There will be plexiglass partitions between some seats in the courtroom, and hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes will be provided for trial participants.
Face coverings: Will be required for the judge, staff and anyone else in the courtroom or other public areas in the Government Center. The judge can order the removal of face coverings if other measures are available, such as face shields or plexiglass barriers. Anyone claiming they cannot wear a face covering due