If any Allen County criminal cases go to jury trial during the coronavirus pandemic, they’ll do so at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center.
The 31st Judicial District Court on Wednesday announced its plan to conduct jury trials, which includes alternate sites, mask mandates, social distancing and a pre-screening process for potential jurors. The plan was approved by the Kansas Supreme Court and includes all four counties in the district. Each county’s health officer also approved the plan.
Allen County’s courtroom could be used for jury trials, but the Bowlus offers more opportunities for social distancing, according to the plan.
The Allen County court calendar does not have any jury trials scheduled in the next month.
The Bowlus offers a large room for jurors to gather in a socially distanced way, and the main stage area allows potential jurors to sit with space between them. The jury selection process and trial will be conducted on the main stage. The art room will be used for a jury room and deliberations.
The Bowlus has several rooms where witnesses and others can wait.
The public can watch from seats in the auditorium, utilizing social distancing measures.
Masks must be worn unless the court grants an exception.
Extra safety precautions will be taken to protect jurors, such as providing only pre-packaged meals and limiting amenities including bottled water and notebooks.
Podiums have been removed unless plexiglass can be added. If not, attorneys will ask questions from their respective tables.
Courthouse maintenance, security and staff will conduct deep cleaning of the alternate facilities when used for proceedings. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the facilities.
In Wilson County, jury trials will be moved to the Neodesha Civic Center. All trials in Neosho County will be moved to the Erie courtroom. Woodson County does not have alternate space available, so all trials will continue at the courtroom.
