In a reversal of the general phased trend towards reopening, the New Jersey Supreme Court issued an Order on November 16, 2020 suspending criminal and civil jury trial and in-person grand jury sessions in response to a second wave of COVID-19 infections.
Since September, about a dozen jury trials have been conducted. The resumption of jury trials, though, resulted in the resolution of more than 115 criminal cases and settlements in more than 225 civil cases. The Court said in its order that it will continue to be guided by experts in public health as it administers court operations in a manner that prioritizes the safety of court users.