In these extraordinary times of COVID-19, the Harris County Court System is determined to provide the safest possible environment for everyone who participates in our justice system. To that end, we have implemented safety protocols and procedures approved by Harris County public health officials and the State of Texas Office of Court Administration. These measures are designed to promote public safety and help protect the trial rights guaranteed to all of us in the Sixth and Seventh Amendments of the United States Constitution.
COVID-19 Safety Measures
Jury Call & Voir Dire at NRG Arena
Arriving to NRG Arena
- Each prospective juror will have a specified time to appear in order to help ensure social distancing.
- After entering Gate 5 and while still in your car, you will drive to a tent where your temperature will be taken with a touch free thermometer and you will also be asked standard COVID-19 screening questions. If your temperature is higher than 100º F or you answer “yes” to any of the COVID-19 screening questions, you will not be allowed into NRG Arena.
- Face coverings are required at NRG Arena and at the Downtown Courthouses (exceptions apply for infants, young children, and those with certain health issues). If you do not have a face covering, one will be provided to you.
- When walking up to the arena remember to socially distant yourself from others.
- Hand sanitizer will be readily available.
Upon Entering NRG Arena
- Adhere to the footprint markers on the ground to ensure you are maintaining social distance.
- For your protection and theirs, all security personnel and court staff will be wearing face coverings.
- If you have a prohibited item, it will be held by security personnel in a clear plastic bag and may be picked up once you are dismissed from service and on your way out of the building.
- After completing your security screening, you will proceed to jury check-in.
- Once you reach the front of the line, you will be given a glove to use while entering your information on the touch screen for jury check-in.
- There are several touch screen computers to complete your check-in process. You can either enter your HC Number (found on your jury summons) or your Texas Driver’s License Number.
- All computers used for the check-in process will be appropriately spaced to allow for social distancing.
- After you complete your check-in process, you will be directed towards the Jury Seating Room.
Upon Entering the Jury Seating Room
- When entering the Jury Seating Room, please take a seat that has been marked. These marked seats have been spaced at least six (6) feet from each other to ensure proper social distancing. Every other row of seats will be sectioned off and not be accessible.
- If you require accommodations, inform any staff from the Clerk’s Office.
- When you sit down please review the instructions you find on your chair. You will then await to hear further instructions from the Harris County Clerk’s Office staff.
- After completing the Juror Assembly process, which includes watching a short video, you will be sworn in as a juror. You will then be escorted to one of the Voir Dire Courtrooms where you will be asked questions regarding any biases or prejudices that may prevent you from serving as a juror in a particular case.
- Once you take your oath, the bailiff will direct you row by row to line up and walk to the Voir Dire Courtrooms. It is important to maintain social distancing throughout the process.
Upon Entering the Voir Dire Courtroom
- When entering the Voir Dire Courtrooms, the bailiff will direct you to a seat. Take a seat while leaving at least two empty seats between you and the next juror. Every other row of seats will be blocked off as to ensure proper social distancing.
- You will receive a face shield when you enter the Voir Dire Courtroom. Remove protective film from both sides of the face shield.
- When you are asked a question, you may stand but do not move away from your seat.
- You will be required to wear a face shield throughout jury selection.
- If you are selected to serve on the jury, the trial will not take place in NRG Arena. Trials will be held at the courthouse in downtown Houston at a selected date and time which will most likely be the following day. You will be provided with specific information if you are selected to serve on the jury.
Downtown Courthouses
Arriving at the Downtown Courthouses
- Once you are selected to serve on a jury, the presiding judge will give each juror a specific address, court number, telephone number, and time to report for jury service at the downtown courthouse. Please come at your assigned time to help ensure your safety and others.
- After entering the courthouse, you will also be asked standard COVID-19 screening questions and your temperature will be taken with a touch free thermometer. If your temperature is higher than 100°F or you answer “yes” to any of the COVID-19 screening questions, you will not be allowed into the courthouse. If you are not permitted to enter the courthouse, call the telephone number provided to you by the presiding judge to inform the court of the situation.
- Face coverings are required at the Downtown Courthouses (exceptions apply for infants, young children, and those with certain health issues). If you do not have a face covering, one will be provided to you.
- Juror parking is available at the parking garage located at 1401 Congress. When parking your car, leave a parking space open between you and the next vehicle to allow for social distancing.
- It is important to remain socially distant from others while walking from your car until you are seated in the courtroom.
- Hand sanitizer will be readily available.
Upon Entering the Courthouse
- Adhere to the footprint markers on the ground to ensure you are maintaining social distance from others.
- For your protection and theirs, all security personnel and court staff will be wearing face coverings.
- If you have a prohibited item, it will be held by security personnel in a clear plastic bag and may be picked up once you are dismissed from service and on your way out of the building.
- After completing your security screening, you will proceed to the location indicated to you by the judge’s instructions.
- Elevators are available, but no more than 4 people may ride the elevator at the same time. Everyone in the elevator must wear a face covering.
When Reporting to Your Assigned Location
- Please ensure to practice social distancing in your assigned courtroom as well as the hallways leading up to your assigned courtroom.
- Remember to bring the face shield that was provided to you at NRG. Sanitize your face shield after each day of your service.
What happens during Trial?
- It is recommended you keep your face covering on at all times during trial, but your Presiding Judge may give you specific instructions.
- During trial, jurors will be seated in a manner that is consistent with the social distancing requirements of 6 (six) feet apart from other jurors.
- Jurors will be given breaks and deliberate in a large space to maintain social distancing.
- If you believe you have COVID-19 or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms during trial, contact the bailiff or district clerk of the court you have been assigned to for further instruction.
