RAWLINS (WNE) — With the gradual reduction in COVID-19 case numbers, Wyoming courts have picked up the pace of jury trials, with more scheduled for the coming months. 

“We have been able to keep doing the bulk of our work thanks to good technology that allowed us to conduct many proceedings remotely, and to court staff and county health personnel who made it possible for us to adopt the necessary precautions for in-person proceedings,” said seventh Judicial District Court Judge Catherine Wilking. 

District courts, which handle civil cases over $50,000, criminal felonies, divorces, juvenile cases, probates and guardianships, conducted approximately two dozen jury trials during the three months in 2020 when restrictions were relaxed. 

“Pretty impressive when you consider all the logistical challenges of conducting a jury trial during a pandemic,” Judge Wilking, who is President of the District Court Judges Conference, said. 

“It’s also an impressive showing by Wyoming citizens who fulfilled their civic duty,” she added.

Already this year, a dozen jury trials have been set in district courts throughout the state, with four or five completed. 

“It’s not unusual for cases to settle or criminal pleas to be entered just before trial,” Judge Wilking explained. “The impending trial tends to motivate people to work out their differences.”

Many more jury trials are scheduled in February, March, and beyond, and with COVID numbers dropping in Wyoming, are expected to proceed.