Temporary Suspension of Jury Trials

The United States District Court for the Central District of California announces a temporary suspension of all jury trials for a period of three weeks, effective immediately.  There is currently an alarming surge of COVID-19 cases nationwide and in the Central District of California largely due to a new variant of the virus that causes COVID-19—Omicron.  There has also recently been an increase of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases within the courthouses of the Central District of California.  Given the increased rate of transmission of COVID-19 in the Central District of California due to the Omicron variant, conducting jury trials would place court personnel, attorneys, parties, and prospective jurors at undue risk.  Accordingly, a temporary suspension of jury trials is necessary to protect public health and safety, as well as ensure the continuous performance of essential functions and operations of the Court. 

Effective immediately:

• All civil and criminal jury trials shall be suspended for a period of three weeks.
• The suspension of jury trials shall remain in effect through and including January 24, 2022.
• Per General Order 21-08, all individuals seeking entry to, or occupying, the United States Courthouses or Probation and Pretrial Services Offices in the Central District of California and everyone in the courtroom for in-court proceedings must continue to follow the CDC’s most recent guidance regarding face coverings or masks.

The temporary suspension of jury trials may be extended as necessary.  The Court continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic as it evolves and will provide updates concerning the Court’s operations as adjustments are made.

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Kiry K. Gray
District Court Executive/Clerk of Court
January 3, 2022