Increased cases of COVID-19 in Nebraska and the increased community spread again has reached the point where court proceedings are affected. Trends in the number of cases in the U.S. reported to the CDC and both national and state medical experts warn the numbers could increase even more dramatically if measures aren’t taken.
A release by the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska states despite physical distancing measures in place, the Court is unable to draw a venire, select a jury, and try a case to completion in a manner consistent with the right to a fair cross-section of the community or due process for the litigants. And it is the Court’s responsibility, as a careful steward of public safety, not to unnecessarily or unduly endanger its own personnel, other participants in the judicial process, or members of the community. The Court must do its part to mitigate the effects of this public health emergency, rather than contribute to the problem.
With that, all civil and criminal cases scheduled for a jury trial to commence on or before December 1, 2020 before any judge in the District of Nebraska are continued pending further order of the Court.
See the entire order by clicking here.