“…our system of justice cannot live up to its constitutional mandates of providing fairness and justice without a jury trial system in place. Jury trials are the backbone of our system of justice.” - Chief Justice of Connecticut, Richard A. Robinson.*
We have not seen jury trials in Connecticut since March. Come November 2020, jury trials will be back in session according to Chief Justice Robinson. Here is what you need to know:
When will notice of jury duty resume?
The court plans to start summoning jurors in late September.
Will jury trials be in person?
There is still a possibility of virtual jury trials, but the goal is to have them in person.
What if a potential juror is at high-risk?
COVID-19 exception forms will be mailed with the jury summons. Should a juror wish to be excused, the exception form must be filled out and mailed back to the courthouse.
What safeguards and precautions will be in place at the courthouse?
Face masks will be required, and social distancing guidelines will be enforced. Hand sanitizer will be available and popular surfaces and areas will be cleaned regularly. Testing requirements not yet been established. The court is still working out the logistics. Changes, including no jury boxes, will be implemented to keep everyone safe.
What cases will be heard and in what order?
The court expects both criminal and civil jury trials to resume. However, highest priority will likely be given to criminal matters due to constitutional rights. The court anticipates trials to take longer as court capacity will be lower and there will be less trials.
The pandemic has had overwhelming impact and the Connecticut Judicial Branch was certainly no exception. John Adams once wrote, “Representative government and trial by jury are the heart and lungs of liberty.” As a personal injury firm that represents the victims of tragic injury and loss, we look forward to the resumption of jury trials.
*Robinson, R., 2020. It’S Time For Jury Trials To Resume. [online] Digitaledition.courant.com. [Accessed 14 September 2020].
Client Reviews of Our Personal Injury Attorneys
Friendly, professional and VERY responsive!
Attorney John Buckley was highly recommended to me by quite a few people and upon my first meeting to discuss my case, I knew immediately that I was in good hands. He took his time to explain everything to me in great detail and stayed in communication throughout my entire case. His staff was also extremely friendly, professional and VERY responsive! I actually never had to reach out about my case because they over-communicated with me from beginning to end. My accident was very unfortunate, but I’m extremely grateful I was working with Attorney Buckley through it all! I highly recommend this law firm!!!
- Jamie B.
Respectful, extremely knowledgeable, & understanding
Recently engaged BWP concerning a motor vehicle accident. From the initial consult, and continuing throughout the entire process, John Parese and the entire staff were respectful, extremely knowledgeable, understanding of my goals and supportive to work towards achieving the best possible outcome. It was a very seamless, friendly relationship and a firm that I would highly recommend to anyone.
- Robert T.
Couldn’t have been happier with the services I received!
I contacted BWP in June 2019, after I was hit by a drunk driver. John Wynne was my attorney. I couldn’t have been happier with the services I received. Everyone I dealt with was very professional and made sure I had all the help I needed. I highly recommend this law firm.
- Valerie
Quick and consistent.
John Buckley was quick and consistent in relaying information to me regarding litigation, and he and his staff were always very supportive of any requests I made. John’s experience and strategic expertise made the difference in dealing with the insurance company, and we achieved the best possible outcome thanks to his vigilance. Cannot recommend BWP highly enough!
- Richard
Thorough, caring, and patient.
I don't have the words to describe how wonderful John Parese was to work with. He took my family and I under his wing during a difficult time. He was by our side for 3 years while I was treated. He was thorough, caring, and patient. He was always there to answer questions and made us feel that he was in our corner. John explained our options and walked us through the process many times. It was WAY outside of my comfort zone to go to litigation, but he believed in me and my case. He was phenomenal in court and I was very proud to be part of his team. We are forever thankful and would recommend him to anyone!
- The Yanellis
Kind, patient, honest and extremely knowledgeable.
John Parese is an excellent attorney who provided care that was needed at an extremely difficult and a long period of time. He and his team are very dedicated and gave professional guidance in various aspects. I am very grateful for having received a degree of release for the painful accident, and trauma which was unfortunate and terrifying. Mr. Parese is very kind, patient, honest and extremely knowledgeable. I'd highly recommend his help to people in need.
- Xueping Q.
Two thumbs up!
John Parese is an amazing attorney! He constantly checked in with me to make sure I was feeling better after my accident and gave me updates on where we were in the process. I never doubted that I was in good hands. Thank you John and also to your team! Two thumbs up!
- Kristen R.
Wonderful staff.
Wonderful staff. They gave the impression that they really care for their clients. I will call on them again if I need in the future.
- Kelly B.
Excellent attorney who always fights to protect his clients.
John has assisted me with several issues. He is an excellent attorney who always fights to protect his clients. I was able to recover medically knowing John was fully handling the insurance and issues with my case. I will continue to use him in the future.
- Danielle Q.
Very professional and his team is wonderful!
Attorney Parese helped me with my car accident. He is very professional and his team is wonderful. I highly recommend his services for car accidents!!! Thank you John.
- Walter P.