October 14, 2020 - Bulletin No. 19 |
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Prosecutors' offices and court systems across the nation are being impacted by COVID-19. Their daily work to maintain constitutional justice is being uprooted, altered, and halted. CNA and NDAA have partnered to actively develop and disseminate useful COVID-19 response resources to prosecutors and courts to support them during this trying time. This weekly bulletin shares helpful information and resources, as well as upcoming virtual networking events. |
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Rural Jurisdiction Working Group |
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During this global pandemic, prosecutors’ offices and courts have been required to make large adjustments in a short amount of time. Some have been able to pivot to virtual proceedings, while others have "shopped around" for larger courtrooms, made use of multiple courtrooms, or used alternative locations for court proceedings. We recognize that many rural jurisdictions, however, have more restrictions in their responses to the pandemic. We are seeking prosecutors, and criminal justice system partners from rural offices to participate in working groups aimed at tackling issues specific to rural areas. Working group members will be asked to participate in virtual focus group discussions over the upcoming month to express challenges, issues, concerns, and strategies on various issues. If you are interested in being a part of this group, please sign up below.
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Oakland County Prosecutor Discusses Operating Trials and the Legal Process During the Pandemic |
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Jessica Cooper, the elected prosecutor in Oakland County, Michigan discusses the office's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges they have faced, and the changes they have made to combat those.
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Recommendations in Dealing with Warrants Amid Domestic Violence Cases |
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The COVID-19 pandemic has lead to an increase in domestic violence across the nation. In this blog post, Tracy M. Prior, San Diego County Chief Deputy District Attorney, discusses strategies that attorneys can take to mitigate the use of warrants to compel victim testimony during trial.
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Court News & Innovative Responses
Henderson County, Texas
Courts in Henderson County, Texas have adopted a hybrid model for proceedings other than jury trials which allows judges, lawyers, and court staff to join from the courtroom and incarcerated individuals to join from jail. For more information, click here.
Miami, Florida
Miami has implemented various changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including providing new kiosks in their Juvenile Assessment Center that allow for remote interviews, new electronic filing procedures, and a remote Child Support Call Center. For more information, click here.
Cuyahoga County, Ohio
Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court held their first post-pandemic jury trial in early October, utilizing a conference room in an outside venue. The week-long murder trial ended in an acquittal. For more information, click here.
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We want to hear from you! If you would like to submit questions or have other concerns, please email us at covid19_courts@cna.org.
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COVID-19-related news articles and resources, and past bulletins will be posted on the NDAA website. Continue to check the website for updated information.
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