Federal courts for Western Washington cancel jury trials amid coronavirus outbreak
Federal courts in Tacoma and Seattle have postponed jury and grand jury trials in response to the coronavirus, or COVID-19, outbreak.
Ricardo Martinez, chief U.S. district Judge for the Western District of Washington, released a statement Friday stating all jury trials will be on pause until the court reviews the situation on March 31.
“Scheduled jurors have been notified that they are not to come in and that includes grand jurors,” spokesperson William McCool told The News Tribune.
McCool said the judges met yesterday and are following the best guidelines provided by public health officials.
Unless the judge informs all parties involved, criminal and civil cases that have been scheduled for an in-court appearance before a judge will continue as planned.
The courthouses will remain open to the public. Courthouse staff has been reduced to limit exposure. Depending on the person and function, some are teleworking, McCool said.
