16 March 2020
A STATEMENT FROM THE HONOURABLE CHRIS KOURAKIS, CHIEF JUSTICE OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
In the Supreme Court a criminal jury trial proceeded today after the jurors were consulted and with special arrangements in place to maximise social distancing. The next jury trial listed in the Supreme Court is in April. The Sheriff is in the process of identifying jurors willing to serve on the jury for that trial with similar special arrangements in place.
A STATEMENT FROM THE HONOURABLE MICHAEL EVANS, CHIEF JUDGE OF THE DISTRICT COURT OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
The Chief Judge of the District Court, the Honourable Michael Evans, today announced that due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), from Tuesday 17 March 2020, the District Court sitting in Adelaide will temporarily suspend the commencement of new jury trials. This suspension will be constantly under review, however it will apply to all jury trials listed in the District Court from tomorrow until 1 May 2020.
Judge alone criminal trials, pre-trial arguments, bail applications, guilty pleas, arraignments and civil trials will not be affected.
Jury trials that are currently underway will continue at the discretion of the presiding judicial officer in consultation with jurors, counsel and parties.
We again encourage all members of the public who are not required to be in court to not attend because of difficulties caused by close proximity.
If you have a matter in court and need further information, please contact CourtSA Registry Services on 8204 2444 or enquiry@courts.sa.gov.au.