Changes coming to Roma court during virus pandemic

ROMA Courthouse is still open during the global coronavirus pandemic, but inside the courtroom, changes are being put into place.

Roma Magistrates Court

ROMA Courthouse is still open and hearing cases during the global coronavirus pandemic, but inside the courtroom, changes are being put into place.

By order of the Queensland’s Chief Justice, regional magistrates across Queensland are putting measures in place to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Yesterday, the state’s top judge issued notice to all legal practitioners that they should prepare to work via video link, and do what they can to reduce the number of attendances in court.

Chief Justice Catherine Holmes said courts will use more video links, and adjourn some cases.

“Until the crisis has passed, practitioners should identify trials which are urgent … and take instructions as to whether application should be made for a judge-alone trial,” Justice Holmes said.

“In sentence hearings, refrain from seeking to list and consider seeking adjournment of listed matters … be prepared for the likely move to the exclusive use of audiovisual facilities for sentencing, and on mentions and reviews, appear, where possible, by telephone."

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

For District Courts around Queensland, including Charleville, any new trial needing a jury has been suspended immediately, by the order of Justice Holmes, and Chief Judge of the District Court of Queensland, Judge Kerry O’Brien.

Trials already underway will continue, but all new trials are being suspended for the immediate future, Justice Homes and Justice O’Brien confirmed in a joint statement.

“Criminal trials that have already started before a jury in the Supreme and District Courts will continue until their conclusion,” the statement read.

“Jurors with a summons to attend court should contact the number shown on their summons.

“Other cases will proceed, but the Courts are considering further adjustments to their procedures in order to deal with the challenges posed by COVID-19.

“The Courts will continue to monitor closely the advice being provided by government health authorities and act accordingly. Community safety will always be a priority.”

Regional co-ordinating Magistrates from each area of Queensland are expected to deliver their own practice directions in the coming days, with Magistrates from the Brisbane and Central regions already issuing guidelines.

Magistrate McCallum of the Ipswich District, which encompasses the Charleville, Cunnamulla, Roma and Dalby Courts, is yet to release a practice direction.

However, it is understood that should the situation worsen, local matters will be deferred exclusively to Toowoomba, Ipswich, and Brisbane courts.

In the interim, the Charleville Courthouse has issued its own advice for stopping the spread on COVID-19.

As of Thursday the court has been practising social distancing and placing limits on the number of people allowed inside at any given time.

The court issued a notice to the public today, explaining the action is being taken as a precautionary measure.

“Attention all practitioners and parties: to limit the potential risk of transmitting COVID-19 the Charleville Magistrates Court is adopting social distancing practices in the courtroom,” the statement read.”

“Please ensure there are no more than 5 parties in the courtroom at any time.”

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