Family and circuit courts going digital amid coronavirus outbreak

The family Court and Federal Circuit Court will go digital amid the coronavirus outbreak with the courts working toward conducting cases by telephone and video-conferencing in most cases.

THE FAMILY Court and Federal Circuit Court will go digital amid the coronavirus outbreak with the courts working toward conducting cases by telephone and video-conferencing in most cases.

In a statement issued this morning, it was announced only urgent matters will be dealt with in face-to-face hearings in court.

“COVID-19 is having a direct impact on the way the Courts are able to administer justice for Australian families,” the statement says.

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“As a result, they cannot administer justice in the usual way, and significant changes have had to be made.”

“In doing this, the Courts are required to balance the health and safety of the community, the profession, Judges and staff with the need to continue this essential service.

“It is of paramount importance that the Courts ensure that they are not putting parties at risk when conducting court hearings.”

For cases which cannot be conducted via phone or video, the courts will impose stringent new rules for in-person appearances which include a cap of eight people in each courtroom at a time.

“This protocol is designed to reduce the risk of infection for judges, staff and court users when conducting face-to-face court hearings,” the statement said.

“This is the most appropriate way, at present, for the court to balance important health and safety considerations with the need to continue its vital work for Australian families.”

Protocol for in court hearings will also include cases being spaced apart to allow cleaning of court rooms between matters.

Anyone in a court will be required to maintain social distancing and parties are asked to refrain from approaching the associate’s desk and will not be able to hand up any hard copy documents.

The changes come after sweeping changes were also introduced in the Magistrates, Supreme, District and Federal Court this week.