Jury Trial Suspension through February 7, 2022

 Since December of 2021, Cowlitz County has experienced an increase in COVID 19 cases. Cowlitz County has an infection rate of approximately 1174 cases per 100,000. Projected data that is incomplete at this time indicates the rate will continue to increase.

As a result, all Superior Court jury trials will temporarily be suspended through February 7, 2022.

"I am hopeful that we will be able to resume jury trials during the week of February 7th. The Court is committed to providing critical access to the courts and at the same time doing it in the safest possible manner .Given the continued, dramatic increase in COVID cases, we feel it is safest for all involved to temporarily suspend jury trials. This virus seems to be more contagious and we don't want to risk anyone's health. We are also concerned that we will not have a sufficient pool of jurors to conduct a jury trial. We want to do all we can to make court safe for everyone and we feel this extended suspension promotes access and safety", said Judge Gary Bashor, Presiding Superior Court Judge.

As we continue to monitor the COVID pandemic in our community, we will update our community concerning court operations through subsequent media releases .Our goal is to review the status of jury trials each week with the hope of resuming them as soon as possible.

For more information about the Cowlitz County Superior Court, please visit our website at:https://cowlitzsuperiorcourt.us/

For Additional Information Contact:

Chadwick M. Connors

360-577-3085 or