26 September 2023

Courts trial Coronavirus changes

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The Victorian Courts have announced changes to their operations in an effort to protect the health of staff and court users during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and Chair of the Courts Council, Anne Ferguson said Victoria’s courts and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) had looked at ways to adapt work practices to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Chief Justice Ferguson said the Courts and VCAT had implemented staggered court times; increased capacity for video conferencing and hearings; evaluation and prioritisation of cases; remote working options for staff; and management of some matters without in-court appearances.

State Coroner, John Cain, has directed that no hearing which requires the physical attendance of any person at the Coroners Court will proceed.

Judge Cain said the Coroners Court remained open and continued to investigate all cases.

In response to the pandemic, the Children’s Court has announced operational changes to discourage court users from appearing in person and instead use audio-visual links whenever possible.

The Children’s Court has also restricted entry, excluding parties not directly involved in using or providing court services, and only allowing children to enter the courts when no other care arrangements were available.

The Supreme Court has announced that all Civil and Criminal hearings will be heard via audio-visual links.

The Supreme and County Courts have also announced changes to the way circuit sittings at regional locations are to be conducted, with all jury trials suspended and some civil jury trials to be heard as causes.

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