First two jury trials to resume this week at the Old Bailey
Although resumption of normal court services will be some time off, the first two jury trials at the Old Bailey will resume this week
This week two jury trials resumed at the Old Bailey, with strict measures to ensure social distancing, health and hygiene. These are the first steps towards the eventual re-opening of Crown court cases across the UK. However, normal court service will not be resumed for some time, according to the Criminal Bar.
The Lord Chief Justice, who stopped all new jury trials on March 23rd 2020 to help combat the spread of Covid-19, has said jury trials will resume only when he is ’confident that the system as a whole is ready’.
Social distancing rules will be applied to all participants. This will include jurors, defendants, lawyers and members of the media, with overspill courtrooms being used for extra space.
Law Society president Simon Davis said: ‘Where it is possible to ensure good hygiene, appropriate distancing and compliance with all other relevant guidance - then jury trials should resume as soon as it is safe to do so.’