COVID-19: Trials Working Group
The CBA is pleased to inform members that there is a now in place a working party set up by the judiciary which will consider ways of starting jury trial as soon as it is safe to do that.
The working party will report to the Lord Chief Justice through its Chair who is a High Court Judge. The Chair has welcomed the participation of representatives of the professions who will make a real contribution to its work.
This team is being led by Mr. Justice Edis and includes representation from the CBA and Bar Council.
In light of the statement yesterday from Prof Chris Whitty, the UK’s most senior medic, who said it was important to be realistic that “highly disruptive” social distancing would need to be in place for “really quite a long period of time” we will all appreciate that this process will need to be thorough and carefully considered.
This is a positive development and we will keep everyone updated as and when we are able.
Caroline Goodwin QC
Chair