Due in court in Jersey? Take to the virtual dock
Courts in Jersey will be able to sit by video conference and telephone, under emergency changes brought in to cope with the coronavirus crisis.
The rules will also allow for more trials where only a judge is present, or for fewer jurats to sit – in case they fall ill.
In certain cases, defendants will be able to ask for a delay of their trial, even if it means spending more time on remand, until the normal rules come back into force.
The emergency measures expire on 30 September 2020.
Introducing the package of measures to allow the courts to continue to sit, the Chief Minister Senator John Le Fondré said: “The draft Regulations are needed to ensure that Jersey’s courts can remain operational throughout the Covid-19 pandemic."
The rules were written in consultation with the Bailiff’s Chambers, the Magistrate and the Law Officers’ Department.
During debate in the States Assembly, concerns were raised by politicians about the ability of members of public to follow trials and contribute to certain hearings such as licensing assemblies, as well as the risk that communication through body language could be lost if people were appearing by telephone.