INSIDER
Response to virtual civil trials pilot project encouraging, judge says
Read full article: Response to virtual civil trials pilot project encouraging, judge saysSAN ANTONIO Almost 24 responses to 200 juror summons sent last week have already been received, according to local administrative Judge Ron Rangel. The summons were for a proposed virtual jury trial in civil court next month during which all parties, from the judge, jurors and the defendant, will participate remotely. He was less than optimistic, however, when asked about the possibility of virtual trials in criminal district courts. Once we see how this goes, well look to see how far we can take it, Rangel said. We would love it to be possible to do it in a criminal jury trial.
First for Bexar County: Residents to sit on jury panels from home
Read full article: First for Bexar County: Residents to sit on jury panels from homeSAN ANTONIO Bexar County residents will soon receive jury summonses, but they wont need to go to the Bexar County Courthouse to answer the summons. About 200 jury summonses are scheduled to be mailed to residents beginning Friday. The official jury summon instructs potential jurors to visit www.bexar.org and answer a simple questionnaire that will help determine who sits on the virtual jury panel. Bexar County Commissioners approve nearly $12,000 for grand juries supplemental payPotential jurors will be able to sit in the comfort of their homes while also sitting on a jury panel with the user-friendly video conferencing software called Zoom. Bexar County courtrooms soon to have new lookThere are exemptions from jury service.