One of the first two jury trials in New Jersey since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has been suspended over concerns about virtual jury selection.

The trial in Bergen County was to begin this week, but defense lawyers argued that the jury selection process implemented by the state unfairly excludes minority and older jurors.

An appeals court suspended the trial, and is expected to hear arguments this month. Some critics say the selection process relies too much on access to technology. The state judiciary declined to comment on the dispute Thursday.

The other trial, in Atlantic County, was proceeding.