The Chief Judge of the District Court has announced that jury trials at selected locations are to recommence in NSW with strict measures to ensure jurors are safey.
Attorney General Mark Speakman said restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic had necessarily delayed jury trials as the justice system adapted to the social distancing measures required to beat the virus.
Mr Speakman said jury service was one of the most important rights and responsibilities people had as members of the community and encouraged all potential jurors to answer their summonses.
NSW Sheriff, Tracey Hall said her office had resumed posting summonses to potential jurors, who could now be confident their health was safeguarded.
“A fact sheet for potential jurors will accompany the summons, detailing what steps my officers and the District Court will take to ensure appropriate hygiene and social distancing,” Ms Hall said.
“On arrival at court, jurors may have their temperature taken and will be asked a series of screening questions to reduce the risk that people with cold or flu like symptoms will be present in court,” she said.
“Jurors will also have space to spread out in the courtroom and elsewhere to keep an appropriate distance.”
Ms Hall said the selection of jurors and appearance of other parties in the case would be by audio visual link and a strict cap would be applied to the number of people permitted in a courtroom.
