The State Judiciary is reopening in phases, with COVID-19 restrictions in place. 
Annapolis, Md (KM) Jury trials are expected to resume next month. .. The Maryland Judiciary says on Monday, March 15th, District and Circuit Court Clerks’ offices will reopen to the public for all matters. However, the number of people allowed inside may be limited due to social distancing protocols to prevent the spread of the coroanvirus.
The courts will resume full operations on Monday, April 26th, and that includes jury trials. But procedures will still remain in place to help stop COVID-19. That includes wearing masks, no-contact temperature checks, social distancing, and verbal and written health questionnaires. This will apply to all persons over the age of two, regardless of their vaccine status.
Jury trials have been put on hold since November 30th, 2020.
“With the reduction in the COVID-19 infection rates in Maryland and vaccines being provided systematically statewide, the Maryland Judiciary will move forward with its phased resumption plan. After expanding court proceedings, and making a broader rate of court services available to the public, the circuit courts will resume jury trials on April 26th,” said Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera, in a statement.. “Safeguarding the health of members of the public coming into the courts and other Judiciary facilities, and the Judiciary personnel who serve them remains an essential priority. We will continue to make access to justice for all a reality as much as is possible during every phase of emergency operations.”
Judicial officials say the Court of Appeals and Court of Special Appeals will continue to be fully operational with both courts hearing all matters within their jurisdictions. But oral arguments before the Court of Appeals and Court of Special Appeals will be heard remotely; and that’s pending orders of the chief judges of the two appellant courts for the resumption of in-person arguments.
By Kevin McManus