Providence, R.I. (March 5, 2021) - Jury trials
have resumed on a limited basis in Rhode Island's state courts.
At this time, they are only being held in Providence County
Superior Court. Further, no jury trial is scheduled without the
express, written authorization of the Presiding Justice of the
Superior Court where a constitutional, statutory, or otherwise
highly critical need has been demonstrated.
Currently, jury trials that proceed are held in-person, rather
than virtually. The Superior Court has updated its jury trial
process, effective September 2020, in the interests of the health
and safety of all jurors, court personnel, litigants, and court
users.
Jury Summonses
The number of summonses issued has been increased in
anticipation of a reduction of individuals available to serve. A
criminal jury trial now requires a pool of 60-70 jurors, and a
civil jury trial requires a pool of 40-50 jurors, unless the
sitting judge requests otherwise. Prospective
