A well-functioning justice system with the Rule of Law at its
heart is one of the hallmarks of a healthy democracy like
ours. Throughout the coronavirus outbreak court staff and the
judiciary have worked incredibly hard to uphold the delivery
of justice. This is not least to ensure the safety of those
who most need our courts – among others the vulnerable women
and men protected by Domestic Abuse Protection Orders and
children removed from dangerous situations through Child
Protection Orders.
Keeping these vital services running has necessarily meant
huge changes to ways of working right across the wider courts
and tribunals system, including a significant increase in the
take-up of remote technology.
Despite the considerable challenges, many thousands of
hearings across all jurisdictions were heard over the last
month.
Around 90% of those hearings utilised audio and video
equipment by the end of April and 159 priority courts and
tribunals have remained open for physical hearings. This was
achieved at locations from Tyneside to Truro and Cardiff to
Kent by following strict public safety advice, but to date
has not included jury trials.
I am pleased that the courts are now in a position, with
approval from Public Health England and Public Health Wales,
to take some first steps towards the resumption of jury
trials. A limited number of trials will take place, conducted
safely and observing social distancing rules, at courts
including the Old Bailey in London and at Cardiff Crown
Court. These will also help us to understand how it might be
possible to conduct trials more widely as the situation with
coronavirus develops.
Any person who plays a part in a criminal trial – including
victims, witnesses, jurors, and legal professionals – is
making a huge contribution to society that is rightly
recognised as an essential reason to leave their home. They
have our gratitude and they deserve our protection – and
measures are being put in place to support everyone who comes
to court, in whatever capacity, to do so without putting
themselves at unnecessary risk.
I am extremely grateful to the Lord Chief Justice, the wider
judiciary, legal professions, court staff and colleagues from
across the Criminal Justice System for their determination
and resolve in the discussions to get us to this point.
Coming together in that spirit of collaboration will ensure
that justice can continue to be done in a way that is safe
for all court users.
