After being suspended for more than a year during the coronavirus pandemic, jury trials have resumed in the Mountain Judicial Circuit, which encompasses Habersham, Rabun and Stephens counties.
According to information from Habersham County Superior Court, jury trials resumed on Monday, April 5. Seven cases on the trial calendar in Habersham County were disposed of without the need for a trial. Even so, a number of prospective jurors showed up for jury duty.
"I could not have been more proud of the effort this committee has shown toward making this idea a realization," said Chief Judge Chan Caudell of Habersham County.
Caudell noted the cooperation among members of the Habersham County Commission, the Habersham County Sheriff's Office, the Court Clerk's Office and the Habersham County Recreation Department in preparing for the re-launch of jury trials.
In additon, Caudell thanked Stephens County Chief Judge Smith for his leadership and vision over the past year. He also thanked Tracy Williamson, April Haygood, Britton Oxner and Capt. Bryan Wright for "their willingness to show up early and stay late as we prepared for this day." Finally, Caudell expressed appreciation to District 2 Public Health Director Dr. Zachary Taylor for "his efforts to keep the public and staff safe with sound and practical health care advice."
