Considered too high-impact for remote hearings, capital cases have mostly ground to a halt during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Criminal Law Section report.

The section’s Executive Council accepted the Capital Cases Committee report without comment at an October 9 virtual meeting.

“Capital trials are not proceeding at this time, nor are they likely to proceed in the near future unless and until jury selections with large panels can be conducted safely and in accordance with all health guidelines,” the report states.