Since the Iowa court system started back up earlier this summer, following a temporary closure due to the pandemic, some COVID-19 precautions are in place.

Greene County Attorney Thomas Laehn says the precautions have typically included anyone in the courtroom who is not speaking is required to wear a mask. Those who are speaking or interacting with the court are required to wear a face shield, so that the court reporter can better see and hear what is being said. Laehn expects this to be the same during tomorrow’s jury selection at the former Greene County Middle School gym, ahead of the County’s first jury trial of the year.

Laehn points out having to wear a face shield during a court proceeding is a challenge to speak clearly, since the shields tend to muffle people’s speech. He explains how a face shield is designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it’s a better option than wearing a mask.

“A clear, plastic shield should allow jurors to see facial expressions, to see the face of the defendant, to see the face of witnesses who are testifying, which are really important clues for a jury when deciding who to believe and who not to believe. Facial expressions and body language matter a great deal.”

Laehn adds once jury selection is over and the trial begins, the location will be moved to the courtroom in the Greene County Courthouse. He says trials are typically open to the public, but due to COVID-19, space in the gallery may be limited, due to having to spread out the jurors to properly observe social distancing.