State courts to resume in-person criminal jury trials March 15; pilot program to be launched next month

Minnesota’s state court are set to resume in-person criminal jury trials for all cases next month.

A new statewide order issued by Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie S. Gildea said in-person trials will resume on March 15.

"We are gradually increasing in-person activities in court facilities in a safe and responsible manner that will allow the courts to fulfill our constitutional obligation, while we continue to do all that we can to protect public health and safety," Chief Justice Gildea said.

The court will still have to adhere to health guidelines and approved local jury trial plans, which follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the Minnesota Department of Health.

Barring an exception, all other proceedings, including civil jury trials, will continue to be conducted remotely through April 30.

The Minnesota Judicial Branch also announced that it will soon launch a pilot program authorizing approved courts to conduct civil jury trials remotely, if the judge and all parties agree. The program is expected to begin late next month, and more courts will be approved for the program in the coming months.

The order also extended previous provisions limiting in-person activities in court facillities, including:

• Remote hearings: Hearings across all case types will be conducted remotely to the extent possible. Exceptions may be granted by the district chief judge for in-person proceedings under limited circumstances.
• Appellate courts: Proceedings in appeals pending before the Minnesota Court of Appeals and the Minnesota Supreme Court will continue as scheduled by those courts.
• Civil commitment: Proceedings that are before the Commitment Appeal Panel shall continue as scheduled, and be conducted remotely to the extent possible.
• Case filings: Courts will continue to accept filings in all case types.
• Public service counters: At least one public service counter in each county, and one in the appellate courts, will be accessible between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding court holidays. Counter service can be provided remotely, by appointment, or in person.
• Self-help services: Self-help services will be conducted by appointment, remotely, or by telephone.

District courts may be contacted directly by phone or email for more information on their operations.