Virus fears cause NT Local Court circuit services to be suspended

IN light of the developing COVID-19 situation and the unique risks posed by the breadth of the NT Local Court’s circuit footprint, the Local Court has announced it will suspend all circuit court services effective immediately

IN light of the developing COVID-19 situation and the unique risks posed by the breadth of the NT Local Court’s circuit footprint, the Local Court has announced it will suspend all circuit court services effective immediately 

• CROWDS allowed at NTFL grand final in Darwin despite virus fears
• VISITORS not permitted to travel to Tiwi Islands for hugely popular grand final
• DARWIN Inpex workers sent home amid coronavirus fears

IN light of the developing COVID-19 situation and the unique risks posed by the breadth of the NT Local Court’s circuit footprint, the Local Court has announced it will suspend all circuit court services effective immediately.

Circuit courts are court systems where judges to travel to different locales to ensure wide visibility and understanding of cases in a region.

Matters affected by these measures will be heard in their base jurisdiction in order to be adjourned.

For example, all Lajamanu Local Court matters listed on March 17 will be heard at Katherine Local Court on the March 17.

For circuits which involve multiple sitting days all matters will be heard in the base jurisdiction on the first day of the sitting in order to be adjourned.

Custody matters will be dealt with in the base jurisdiction with defendants appearing by AVL from correctional facilities at first instance. Where possible, matters will proceed from the base jurisdiction.

AMAZING NT News subscription offer: Only $1 for first 28 days

Katherine Local Court will be open and sitting on the previously listed circuit court days.

Until further notice all applications made for video and audio link will be fast-tracked. As usual, urgent domestic violence orders can be dealt by audio link.

At this stage circuit courts will resume on May 1 2020 as per the current court calendars, and additional days may be required.