Products Liability Trials in the Midst of a Pandemic

Alameda County Superior Court conducted asbestos-related jury trials entirely via Zoom, raising challenges with juror inattentiveness and unmuted comments by the judge. Incidents included the plaintiff being left alone with jurors during a sidebar, leading to an appeals court halting the second trial and prompting stricter virtual procedures. These cases highlight the importance of planning, technology management, and maintaining juror focus in virtual trials.