23 Apr 2020

Courts to open to public in alert level 3

5:56 pm on 23 April 2020

Courts will be open to the public under alert level 3, but jury trials will remain suspended for a few more months.

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Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann said there would be limits on the number of people who could attend court and priority would be given to those who needed to be there.

In-person hearings would be allowed to take place and judge-alone trials involving witnesses, who may be required to attend court, would also be able to go ahead.

Where possible, lawyers and witnesses would be able to appear remotely.

Winkelmann said courts would continue to be cleaned to higher standards and hand sanitiser would be readily available.

People would also be able to wear masks and gloves if they wish.

Jury trials remain suspended until the end of July.

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