Florida Supreme Court cancels jury trials through the end of May

Florida’s Chief Justice Charles Canady issued a new emergency order Monday suspending jury trials and extending other legal deadlines through the end of May because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coronavirus and the courts: Treasure Coast courthouses issued guidelines

Canady’s order extends a prior order that had set April 17 as the ending date for emergency pandemic court procedures.

The new directive includes guidelines to:

•  Suspends all jury selection proceedings and grand juries
• Suspends speedy trial rules for criminal matters and noncriminal traffic infractions
• Suspends a rule requiring clerks of court to immediately issue paperwork to sheriffs when a final judgment is made in eviction cases
• Extends health-related limits on court-ordered family visitation involving children in the custody of the Florida Department of Children & Families, including allowing visitation by remote electronic means in some instances.
•  Extends emergency changes to notarization and oath requirements

Canady is expected to review COVID-19 orders and will extend them for longer periods if needed, according to a Florida Supreme Court media release.

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Melissa E. Holsman is the legal affairs reporter for TCpalm and Treasure Coast Newspapers, and is writer and co-host of Uncertain Terms, a true crime podcast. For in-depth, exclusive and breaking legal affairs coverage be sure to subscribe.