Jury Trials Can Resume At New Will County Courthouse

JOLIET, IL — For most of last year, jury trials were not held at the Will County Courthouse as a result of the dangerous coronavirus pandemic. Now that fewer people are contracting the illness and vaccines are being administered, Will County's court officials have decided to resume jury trials, starting next April 5.

The Will County Courthouse has been backlogged with several high-profile criminal defendants who have been waiting several years for their opportunity to have their case heard before a jury.

"Summonses have been issued for that day to prospective jurors. In cooperation with State's Attorney Glasgow, Public Defender Renzi, Clerk of the Circuit Court Chasteen, County Executive Bertino-Tarrant, County Board Speaker Cowan, and Presiding Circuit Judge Carlson, several courtrooms in the courthouse have been prepared to hold jury trials consistent with social distancing and facial covering guidelines," Wednesday's news release announced.

“Jury trials are the hallmark of our justice system. It is our hope that by resuming jury trials, we can begin to reduce the backlog of cases while ensuring the safety of all concerned,” Chief Judge Daniel L. Kennedy stated."