Jury trials and other Courts and tribunals business to continue during lockdown | Latest Newry News, Newry Sport and Newry Business for Newry City

Jury trials and other Courts and tribunals business to continue during lockdown

Justice Minister Naomi Long has confirmed jury trials and other courts and tribunals hearings will continue to be held within the public health guidelines following the imposition of new Covid restrictions.

 

Jury trials and other Courts and tribunals business to continue during lockdown - Northern Ireland courts news

 

Following the latest restrictions approved by the Executive and which come into effect from 26 December, the Minister moved to allay concerns about Criminal trials and other courts and tribunals business, insisting the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service (NICTS) estate was better equipped to accommodate listed business than at the start of the first lockdown.

 

 

Naomi Long said, “NICTS and the judiciary’s ability to deliver services will not be adversely impacted as it was when the lockdown was originally imposed in March.

“Robust social distancing measures are in place in courtrooms, offices and public areas, as well as an enhanced cleaning regime and clear guidance being available for court users.

 

Freelance NI Copywriter Paul Malone - Tall Paul Marketing - Northern Ireland Marketing Blog Writer

 

“Technology has been deployed for remote and hybrid hearings but some listed business, like jury trials, require physical hearings.

“Jury trials have, therefore, been held in six venues in Laganside, Antrim, Coleraine, Dungannon, Craigavon and Newry since August and courtrooms have also been reconfigured with glass and Perspex screens erected to allow proceedings to take place safely.

“Hand sanitation stations and social distancing signage have also been erected throughout the NICTS estate to guide users.

 

 

“People who are asked to take part in jury service should follow NICTS instructions on where they should gather safely.

“We also ask that no-one else comes to a court or tribunal venue unless they are specifically required to be there.

“Face coverings should be worn in public waiting areas and may be worn during proceedings unless a judge directs an individual to remove them.

“Public safety has been a priority for NICTS, the judiciary and other justice partners right throughout this pandemic and they have worked hard to ensure court and tribunal proceedings can be conducted safely.

 

 

Minister Lond added, “That will remain the case in the weeks ahead, with the focus on ensuring that business will only proceed if it is safe to do so.”

 

Keep up to date with the latest Northern Ireland business news, marketing tips and tricks and advice for local businesses on the Tall Paul Marketing website.

 

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Posted by on Dec 29 2020. Filed under Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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