Trials are returning to the Habersham County courthouse as court returns to (almost) normal in the Mountain Judicial Circuit.
On Wednesday, the circuit’s chief judge Russell Smith suspended most of the COVID protocols previously in place for Habersham, Rabun, and Stephens counties. The order, which goes into effect immediately, eliminates strict social distancing measures inside courtrooms. It also limits virtual and online hearings, except “when appropriate or necessary.” Most proceedings will take place in person inside the courtrooms.
Jury trials and grand jury proceedings will return to the courthouses.
Those diagnosed with COVID, exposed to the virus, or experiencing COVID symptoms are still barred from entering area courthouses and courtrooms. And those who have not been vaccinated are urged to wear a face-covering, but masks are voluntary, Smith states.
“The Superior Court Judges wish to express their profound appreciation for the support of the commission and commission staff in each of the three counties who made it possible for the business of the courts to continue during the pandemic by providing alternate locations for trials and grand juries,” Smith says. He and Superior Court Judge Chan Caudell gave a special nod to the counties’ IT Departments. They also thanked public health, legal, and law enforcement personnel for their support over the past year.
Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Harold Melton put jury trials on hold last March under a statewide judicial emergency order. He lifted their suspension in March. Habersham has been holding its jury trials in a gymnasium at the county recreation department since then.
The statewide judicial emergency order is set to expire on June 30.
