Jackson County to resume some civil jury trials

The Jackson County Circuit Court plans to resume civil jury trials starting June 14.

The court resumed criminal jury trials in March, trying two cases per week in Kansas City and two per week in Independence. In June, the court will begin using one of those four jury slots for civil cases that can be tried in five days or less. 

Each week’s civil trial will alternate between the courthouses in Kansas City and Independence.

“It is hoped that this process will address a variety of issues including giving civil practitioners and their clients and improved ability to plan for trial in their cases,” Presiding Judge J. Dale Youngs said in a May 24 letter to members of the local bar. “We are still exploring options for effectively scheduling jury trials for those civil cases that are anticipated to take more than a week to try.” 

Also on May 24, the St. Louis Circuit Court announced that it would proceed to phase three of the Missouri Supreme Court’s operational phases, effective June 7. 

The move will allow the court to ease restrictions on in-person proceedings and limits on the number of people in courtrooms and other public spaces.