Three years on from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the legal landscape continues to grapple with the ramifications of the virus’s resurgence in courts. Adapting to the pandemic initially necessitated a technological revamp in many courthouses, as limitations on in-person proceedings led to interruptions in due process for numerous litigants.
In Georgia, courts have utilized federal funds to secure added staff and space in an effort to expeditiously address the critical case backlogs imposed by the pandemic. On the ground, legal professionals have found themselves in uncharted territories, as illustrated by defense litigator Page Powell Jr.’s experience. After a five-day trial and subsequent COVID-19 diagnosis, Powell expressed his uncertainty, stating, “I didn’t know what to do. I’ve never had this before.”
The fresh wave of COVID-19 cases in courts has thrown a curveball into an already complicated situation, exacerbating the challenges faced by the legal profession and underscoring the need for clear strategies and guidelines moving forward. The full story can be found here.