Judge D’Metria Benson of Dallas County has reached a compromise regarding her controversial mask mandate in court. After the Texas Supreme Court ordered her to cease requiring masks, Benson proposed using clear plastic shields for protection instead of suspending jury trials and moving to virtual proceedings. This decision follows a complaint from attorney Brian Hail, questioning the legality of her mask policy. Benson, who has serious health concerns due to an autoimmune disease, argued that her rules were necessary for her protection. However, the Supreme Court justices found the mask requirement to be overly restrictive and detrimental to court operations. Administrative judges warned Benson that failure to comply with the court's directive could lead to reassignment of her cases. Ultimately, the installation of protective shields is expected to allow in-person court proceedings to resume without mask mandates. Benson has been serving on the bench since 2006 and is set to conclude her term at the end of the year.