First legally binding remote trial by jury set to begin in Florida
The Florida Supreme Court selected five circuits in the state to take part in a pilot remote jury trial program. Starting Thursday, the 4th judicial district, which includes Jacksonville, will begin its first trial entirely done by Zoom, with a legally binding verdict. (image WPEC)
DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. — The nation will watch as Florida sets the stage for the first-ever legally binding remote jury trial.
Since March, courthouses in Florida put a hold on speedy trials by jury due to COVID-19 concerns. Most other essential hearings, however, have been able to move along through Zoom calls.
The Florida Supreme Court selected five circuits in the state to take part in a pilot remote jury trial program. Starting Thursday, the 4th Judicial District, which includes Jacksonville, will begin its first trial entirely done by Zoom, with a legally binding verdict.
The case, Cayla Griffin vs. Albanese Enterprise, Inc., is that of a former nightclub dancer who claims she was badly hurt when a bouncer kicked her out.
Public links to live streams are available through the Courtroom View Network. Jury selection begins Thursday at 8:30 a.m. The trial is set to begin on Monday.