By: Michaela Paukner, [email protected]//July 7, 2020//
By: Michaela Paukner, [email protected]//July 7, 2020//
The public has become more comfortable with the idea of remote court appearances in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent poll from the National Center for State Courts.
Two out of three people would be receptive to appearing remotely in 2020, up from two out of five in 2014. The NCSC vice president for external affairs said the change results from the uncertainty and anxiety that comes with living during a pandemic.
The observation holds true for public opinion about serving on a jury. About 44% of respondents would prefer to serve remotely, far more than the 23% who would prefer to serve in person. Thirty-two percent had no preference.
Potential jurors aren’t the only ones worried about appearing in-person at the courthouse. Another poll from the NCSC, conducted during a webinar about mental-health concerns for court employees, found 81% of the respondents were concerned about getting COVID-19 as a result of the courts’ reopening.
The infographic below illustrates other top concerns from court staff and potential jurors:
Click images below for full resolution