On Nov. 15, the Williamson County district courts and county courts at law selected the 30th in-person jury since in-person jury trials resumed in March.

The courts shifted to virtual proceedings to stay open during the pandemic, and county officials began working on a plan with multiple county health and legal officials in the fall of 2020 to resume in-person jury trials when conditions allowed, according to a press release. When in-person jury trials resumed in March of this year, COVID-19 safety precautions, such as access to COVID-19 rapid testing, social distancing during trials, digital evidence and a COVID-19 questionnaire were implemented, according to the release.

“People have a right to have certain cases decided by a jury of their peers,” Judge Betsy Lambeth of the 425th District Court said. “After nearly a year of being unable to safely conduct in-person jury trials, these 30 trials represent a step toward normalcy in the justice system in WilCo.”