1) Grand Jury proceedings are conducted using “social distancing” guidelines that are now commonly used in our current environment.
2) Any juror unwilling to appear under these conditions will not be subject to court reprisals for failing to carry out their civic duties.
Of course, anyone who has symptoms of illness or is particularly vulnerable due to preexisting conditions should not participate. We are leaving these decisions to your discretion.
To ensure your safety, Campbell County Government has taken extra steps to make a safe and contained place to conduct your proceedings. As alluded to, all courthouses have had very limited public traffic since the Supreme Court order took effect. You will meet in a courtroom that has been thoroughly sanitized and has had no public exposure for a minimum of two days. All witnesses and members of the district attorney’s staff will communicate with you remotely through teleconference software by computer screen or television monitor, further limiting your exposure to members of the public. Your health and safety is of greatest importance to all of us.
Understand that this reconvening is necessary. Courts have been at a standstill with cases backing up on an unprecedented level. The grand jury process is an integral part of criminal justice in Tennessee and we would not take these measures if we had an alternative method. We do not.
We would ask that you come to the Campbell County Justice Center on Friday, April 17, 2020, at 9 am, and help us restart the Criminal Court process. Please notify Bobby Vann’s office of your intentions as soon as possible.
(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/13/2020-9:30AM)