COVID-19 Report for Prosecutors and Courts, May 26, 2021

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May 26, 2021 - Bulletin No. 32

Prosecutors' offices and court systems across the nation are being impacted by COVID-19. Their daily work to maintain constitutional justice is being uprooted, altered, and halted. CNA and NDAA have partnered to actively develop and disseminate useful COVID-19 response resources to prosecutors and courts to support them during this trying time. This weekly bulletin shares helpful information and resources, as well as upcoming virtual networking events.

Useful Resources

Considerations about Collecting Information on COVID-19 Vaccine Status from Prospective Jurors

As vaccines become more accessible and courts continue re-opening, new questions about best practices arise. The National Center for State Courts developed a document which highlights considerations for courts when developing policies related to the vaccination status of prospective jurors.

To view the document, click here.

Call for Participation!

During this global pandemic, prosecutors’ offices and courts have been required to make large adjustments in a short amount of time. Now, as courts begin to re-open, new challenges to address backlogs, training issues, and more are emerging. We are seeking prosecutors, and criminal justice system partners to participate in working groups aimed at tackling these issues. Working group members will be asked to participate in virtual focus group discussions over the upcoming month to express challenges, issues, concerns, and strategies on various issues. If you are interested in being a part of this group, please sign up below.

To participate in a working group session, click here.

Court News & Innovative Responses

King County, Washington

To help address case backlogs, the presiding judge for King County Superior Court is seeking $35 million dollars in federal aid to hire eight retired judges and access additional facilities for court proceedings. For more information, click here.

Maryland

The Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge updated pandemic health procedures for courthouses and judicial facilities, enabling those who are vaccinated to enter them without masks beginning June 1, 2021. For more information, click here.

Nationwide

Jurisdictions across the country are taking different approaches to health safety as their courts reopen - from some requiring vaccines to others adjusting mask mandates. For more information, click here.

From NDAA

We want to hear from you! If you would like to submit questions or have other concerns, please email us at covid19_courts@cna.org.

COVID-19-related news articles and resources, and past bulletins will be posted on the NDAA website. Continue to check the website for updated information.

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