Cobb County jury trials put on pause as COVID-19 cases rise in the county

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — As COVID-19 cases continue rising in Cobb County and across the state of Georgia, the court system has made the decision to pause jury trials.

Cobb County Superior Court Judge Robert D. Leonard issued an order on Monday to cancel trial jurors through January 21.

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“I did not make this decision lightly. We must keep in mind that jury service compels people of all walks of life, with all health conditions and vaccination status to attend court. Additionally, the likelihood of successfully getting through a lengthy jury trial when our community spread is at this record level is slim,” Judge Leonard said in the order.

Jury trials across Georgia were paused for much of the pandemic. Trials in Cobb County ultimately resumed in April 2021.

Judge Leonard also adds that the State Court of Cobb County will be undertaking the same measures.

Grand jury proceedings will not be affected.

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According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, 11,902 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Cobb County in the last two weeks.

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