By Ray King

The Arkansas Supreme Court has ended the suspension of jury trials in the state effective May 1.

All jury trials had been suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020, with subsequent orders continuing the suspension until April 30.

In that order, the court noted the recent downward trend in infection rates and said, “if positive progress continues, jury trials may resume May 1, 2021.”

The court order went on to say that positive progress has been made as infection rates are down and vaccinations are up which makes it possible for jury trials to resume

The high court said delays for speedy trial purposes due to precautions against COVID-19 shall be considered a good cause and shall be excluded from the speedy trial requirements.

The order also provides that the state’s courts shall continue to follow the Department of Health guidelines concerning face coverings and social distancing state courts are encouraged to implement additional measures as necessary to protect the health of trial participants and attendees.