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NSW District Court prepares to resume jury trials
Offices attached to the NSW District Court have resumed posting summonses to potential jurors as the courts prepare to once again host jury trials.
Naomi Neilson
Strict measures, such as temperature checks and screenings, will greet jurors before trial at the NSW District Court as it takes a bigger step towards normality in the justice system, following the outbreak of the global health and economic crisis.
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Attorney-General Mark Speakman said the restrictions in response to COVID-19 brought with it necessary delays in jury trials but the decision to resume some of those trials “marks a welcome return towards normality in the District Court” and in the NSW justice system.
“Jury service is one of the most important rights and responsibilities we have as members of the community and is central to ensuring fair trials,” Mr Speakman said. “I encourage all potential jurors to answer their summonses so they can play their part.”
The sheriff of NSW Tracey Hall said her office will resume posting summonses to jurors who should be confident their health will be safeguarded. A fact sheet will accompany the summons, detailing what steps the court has taken to ensure appropriate measures.
On arrival at court, jurors may have their temperature taken and will be asked a series of screening questions to reduce the risk of allowing people with cold or flu symptoms into the courtroom. Jurors will also have space to spread out and keep a distance.
“Ample provision of hand sanitiser, readily available wash stations, increased commercial cleaning and individualised meals will also help prevent contamination. Selection of jurors and appearance of other parties in the case will be by audiovisual link and a strict cap will be applied to the numbers of people permitted in the courtroom,” Ms Hall said.
For the time being and subject to advice from NSW Health, jury trials will only be held at the Sydney Downing Centre complex and Parramatta and Newcastle courthouses.
