Sweeping court operation changes in response to virus

Queensland Courts have introduced sweeping changes to how they deal with cases amid the coronavirus pandemic with practitioners warned to prepare for a move to audiovisual sentencing – and reduced prisoner transports.

QUEENSLAND Courts have introduced sweeping changes to how they deal with cases amid the coronavirus pandemic with practitioners warned to prepare for a move to audiovisual sentencing.

The system will endeavour to cut down on the transport of prisoners, reduce face time in courts, cut back the number of people present in court rooms and push to deal with matters via phone and writing where possible.

Everyone appearing in Brisbane court today

Lawyers involved in Supreme and District Court criminal matters have been urged to identify and prioritise urgent trials in cases where defendants in custody have spent time on remand that approaches a likely sentence.

They have also been asked to consider adjourning matters where a defendant who faces a custodial sentence is complying with bail conditions and liaise with prosecutors to reduce the need for prisoners to be escorted to and from prison.

Townsville court generic arrest magistrates court

“The Queensland Supreme and District Courts will continue to conduct court matters to the extent, and for as long as possible, consistent with medical advice,” a statement from Chief Justice Catherine Holmes says.

“Within courtrooms, safe distances should be maintained, and practitioners should not be present in court other than when their matters are being dealt with.”

Practitioners have also been asked to minimise the need for physical attendance in civil cases by using phone or video link, making written applications where feasible and resolving issues “to the greatest extent possible” to reduce the time required in court rooms.

“The Court is presently investigating the wider use of audiovisual links, including the use of computer applications which can be downloaded, and hopes shortly to produce a guide for practitioners,” Justice Holmes wrote.

In the Brisbane Magistrates court, defendants are being encouraged to make use of electronic pleas of guilty and adjournments, where available.

Until further notice all call-overs will be conducted on the papers, without personal or telephone appearances required from legal representatives or defendants, with matters adjourned for three months from the date of listing.

Defendants in custody who are legally represented will have their appearance excused while those aren’t represented will appear via video link.

According to the new practice directions, legal representatives and other parties, including unrepresented defendants, can utilise either electronic adjournment or written requests to seek a specific date or make other requests.