The Lord Chancellor has this week stated that courts of law will still continue to operate, despite the outbreak of the COVID-19 (Corona Virus).
He stated “The rule of law is vital to a functioning democracy and even at times like these, it is essential that our independent courts are able to administer justice. Despite an unprecedented public health emergency, the Prime Minister and I are clear that our courts across England and Wales have a critical role to play and should go on sitting.
“Our Crown and Magistrates courts provide a vital public service and until instructed otherwise, we expect all lawyers, magistrates, jurors, witnesses, defendants and court staff to continue to attend court as required.”
The Government advice to all people who have been asked to attend court is that they are still expected to attend court unless:
– They have had symptoms in the last 7 days or
– Someone in their household has had them in the last 14 days or
– They have been in contact with someone who has the symptoms in the last 14 days.
In the above situations, cases will probably be adjourned for at least 14 days, and after that they should be requested to attend.
No sick notes are required, but if the claim is made more than once, the court may issue a warrant to the person who has been summoned to attend court.
The Lord Chancellor has also said “We will continue to deliver as best as possible and keep our courts open. However, as I have agreed with the Lord Chief Justice, we need to adjust working practices to ensure our court system continues to function”.
Anyone with any questions regarding attending court during the COVID-19 outbreak can call us for more information. You can email us at enquiries@howellsllp.com, visit our website or call us:
Sheffield: 0114 249 66 66
Barnsley: 01709 364 000
Rotherham: 01709 263 342
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