In-Person Court Reserved For Special Circumstances

Breken Terry was at the Laduerdale County Courthouse after speaking with the county's presiding judge.

The courtroom.

Breken?

Probably not anytime soon - at least that's what judge gil self told me.

Self closed down in person court hearings here before the state supreme court mandated it in march.

He said he's not seeing the virus let up - and safety is always a priority.

Self- i am responsible for the state employees in the building, county, and other municiple courts and i feel an enourmous responsibiltiy to protect them and their families.

That's why lauderdale county judge gil self said in person court hearings will only happen under certain cirumstances - like domestic violence cases, cases involving children, or murder cases.

In most cases - he's decided to do mostly everything over zoom.

Self- lauderdale county is having some issues with covid right now and there is probably more reason to be closed now than when i closed the place and i'm glad i have that descretiion.

Monday - for the first time since march - judge self made an exception in florence's most recent murder case.

Gary white is charged with murder in the death of kwame thomas last friday.

I asked self why he wanted this one in person.

Self- the virtual technology is good but seeing the individual.

The demeanor, the behavior, how they react to questions, their body language can be very telling so there are certain cases i can't risk not being conducted in person.

Self said it's difficult to decide how to handle each case.

But he said - realistically, he doesn't see jury trials starting up anytime soon.

Self- it's going to be after the turn of the year if it were my guess.

It does not appear that this thing is slowing down and were talking life or death here.

Even though it's not clear when jury trials can resume - judge self said he's looking at using the florence collesuium for jury selection when they do.

He said the space is big enough to allow for social distancing during the first few days of a trial.

Live in flo bt waay31.

Self revoked gary white's bond at today's hearing.

Police said white had previous charges before