Spotlight On
Coronavirus (Covid-19): Courts and tribunals planning and preparation – from HM Courts & Tribunals Service & Ministry of Justice HMCTS RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK During this unprecedented public health emergency, we’re working hard to keep our justice system functioning. We’re focusing on priority cases, changing working practices and introducing new procedures to minimise risks to the judiciary, staff and all those who use our courts and tribunals. Please see our daily operational summary on courts and tribunals during the coronavirus outbreak to get the latest information about what is happening across HMCTS. Any changes to individual hearings will be communicated directly to those affected, usually by email and/or phone. PRIORITY COURTS DURING CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK A network of priority courts will remain open during the coronavirus pandemic to make sure the justice system continues to operate effectively. The work of courts and tribunals will be consolidated into fewer buildings, maintaining the safety of all in the courts and in line with public health advice. These temporary changes, designed in partnership between HMCTS and the judiciary will help maintain a core justice system focused on the most essential cases. From 30 March 2020, we will have 157 priority court and tribunal buildings open for essential face-to-face hearings. Our court and tribunal buildings are divided as follows: 157 open courts – these buildings are open to the public for essential face-to-face hearings 124 staffed courts – staff and judges will work from these buildings, but they will not be open to the public 89 suspended courts – these courts will be temporarily closed Check if the court or tribunal you plan to visit is open using the tracker: Courts and Tribunals tracker page and list.
best possible use of the equipment currently available; and are working nonstop to update and add to that. Some hearings, the most obvious being jury trials, cannot be conducted remotely. COMING TO COURT OR TRIBUNAL DURING THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK The Government has announced that it considers those essential to running the justice system as key workers and unless you have heard from us or you are self-isolating based on Government and NHS advice you should continue to attend the court or tribunal. All court and tribunal users are reminded you should read the latest information about prevention, treatment, travel and staying at home. These include but are not limited to witnesses, those attending for jury service, defendants, professional courts users and justice system partners. OUR COURT AND TRIBUNAL BUILDINGS DURING CORONAVIRUS We know that people will be particularly concerned about hygiene at present, and though the Government advice is that concentrating on hand cleaning is the most important measure, we are putting extra effort into court cleaning. Our buildings are cleaned every day and we respond swiftly to complaints about poor hygiene. We are monitoring our hand washing facilities to ensure swift maintenance action if needed but, if you see something of concern, please let the court know so they can put things right. KEEPING UP TO DATE WITH THE IMPACT OF CORONAVIRUS ON COURTS AND TRIBUNALS For further information, we will communicate changes to the operational running of the courts and tribunals on our website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-courtsand-tribunals-planning-and-preparation ■
TELEPHONE AND VIDEO HEARINGS DURING CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK We’re increasing use of telephone, video and other technology to continue as many hearings as possible remotely. We will make
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