Florida will try holding civil jury trials remotely to address a backlog of cases stalled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Chief Justice Charles Canady approved the pilot program in an administrative order signed late Thursday.
All jury trials in Florida have been on hold since March 16 due to safety measures to stop the spread of Covid-19 in close quarters, such as those where a jury typically deliberates a verdict.
Up to five judicial circuits will participate in the pilot program to judge the feasibility of conducting trials through remote technology, Canady’s order said.
Only civil, non-criminal cases will be...