The Attorney General, Mark Speakman, has ordered a review of case management and jury processes in the District and Supreme Courts in an effort to reduce delays in criminal proceedings.
Mr Speakman said the review is to be carried out by Chief Judge of the District Court, Justice Derek Price (pictured).
He said the review was a further opportunity to target delays through streamlining the processes for dealing with serious criminal matters.
“The time is right for a review of some of the long standing procedures around juries and case management,” Mr Speakman said.
“Parties want effective processes to reduce the issues considered at trial to ensure they’re ready to proceed as early as possible,” he said.
“The Department of Communities and Justice will assist the Chief Judge with his review of possible reforms in case management and jury processes.”
He said areas to focus on included improving procedures to ensure trial readiness; better pre-trial case management; the potential of new technology; and simplifying decision-making processes for juries.
He said the review would also examine the potential for limiting jury use in certain circumstances.
“The review builds on 2018 reforms to encourage early appropriate guilty pleas and measures to reduce the workload of criminal matters in the District and Supreme Courts,” Mr Speakman said.
Justice Price said the increasing complexity of many serious criminal matters made his task difficult, but there were some good ideas to draw upon, both in Australia and overseas.
