King County District Court Suspends Commencement of Jury Trials through
January 11, 2021, due to COVID-19
Temporary suspension aects largest court of limited jurisdicon in Washington state
Sea)le, Wash. – November 23, 2020 – To help keep the public, jurors and court employees safe during
a me of rapidly increasing novel coronavirus infecons in Washington state, King County District Court
is temporarily suspending commencement of new jury trials through January 11, 2021. The court will
connue to assess the suspension period on a bi-weekly basis, which could result in an earlier re-start of
jury trials or extension of the suspension, as condions warrant.
As part of its COVID-19 response, King County District Court previously had expanded its capability to
conduct hearings via videoconference. In its latest emergency order, the court encourages video
hearings, whenever possible and appropriate, and has expanded the types of hearings that may
presumpvely be conducted by video without the court’s prior approval.
“The court will connue to monitor the public health situaon and will rely upon guidance from the
State Department of Health and other health experts to further alter our operaons, if needed,” says
King County District Court Presiding Judge Susan Mahoney. “The health of our sta< and other court
users is our primary consideraon in all operaonal decisions.”
Court users can =nd the latest informaon on changes to court operaons and services online at COVID-
19 Impacts to King County District Court or by calling (206) 205-9200
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