HOPEWELL, Va. (AP) - Virginia’s highest court is allowing the circuit courts for three counties to hold jury trials during the COVID-19 pandemic in a theater that typically hosts music concerts.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that the Virginia Supreme Court’s chief justice informed the circuit courts for Hopewell, Prince George and Surry counties on Wednesday that they can use the Beacon Theatre as a temporary trial venue.
The city of Hopewell owns and operates the theater and has opened it for shows at 30% capacity during the pandemic.
Court officials held a mock trial at the theater in August to test its suitability. They planned to use the theater’s stage for the judge’s bench, witness stand and prosecution and defense tables, while socially distanced jurors would be seated in the theater’s gallery.
The Virginia Supreme Court has now allowed 52 circuit courts across the state to resume jury trials.
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