Florida Supreme Court limits nearly all legal proceedings due to coronavirus concerns
Jurors who were summoned for duty between March 16 and March 27 are excused from service due to public health concerns related to the novel coronavirus, according to the Manatee County Clerk of Court Angel Colonneso.
“We appreciate the community’s patient and understanding as we continue to work through this unique situation,” Colonneso said in a statement released Friday evening.
The change comes after Florida Chief Justice Charles Canady suspended most face-to-face legal proceeding for at least two weeks in a statewide order Friday. The order authorizes local judges to use “remote electronic means” to conduct legal proceedings.
Canady’s order goes into effect Monday and will temporarily suspend grand jury proceedings, jury selections and criminal and civil jury trails until at least March 27, the News Service of Florida reports.
According to a release, this marks the first time that face-to-face legal proceedings have been limited since the Florida state court system was unified in 1972.
Those summoned for jury duty can find more information by visiting www.ManateeClerk.com/ejuror or calling (941) 748-7407.
