TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Jul 31, 2020

Shelby County Criminal Court judges yesterday ordered the indefinite suspension of criminal jury trials citing the impossibility of impaneling a jury that “would satisfy health and safety guidelines and comply with relevant constitutional provisions.” The order negates prior plans to lift the suspension in September, the Commercial Appeal reports. The judges said they will “continue to evaluate the current conditions and assess any updated guidance from health authorities to determine when jury trials can resume.” The Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers expressed concern about the decision saying judges should have considered the group’s input before moving forward. The court said it consulted with the public defender's office, district attorney's office and National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.