Following the
Prime Minister’s speech on Monday evening, the Lord Chief Justice has
determined that only urgent matters as indicated in his note of 17 March (see
list below) should be addressed until further notice.
All other work
is to be administratively adjourned by a judge without a hearing. In most cases
it is likely an 8 week period will be considered appropriate.
Where there is
an urgent matter listed before the Easter break that falls into the exceptional
category, it should be highlighted to the relevant court office as soon as
possible so that arrangements can be made to facilitate a hearing.
We are working
with NICTS to increase the amount of business that can be dealt with by way of
live link, skype or telephone conference and we hope to have more information
in that regard shortly.
We will be
making arrangements to establish a rota at all court tiers. We will be in touch
with the Society as soon as possible to advise about further arrangements.
Neither members of the
profession or public should attend court if they are not pursuing a priority
matter.
LIST OF PRIORITY PROCEEDINGS
Priority
proceedings typically involve the immediate liberty, health, safety and
wellbeing of individuals. Examples include:
Criminal proceedings
·
First remands
in the Magistrates’ Courts (charge sheets);
·
Bail
applications
·
PACE
applications;
·
Sentencing
where delay may mean time on remand exceeds any likely/realistic custody period
under the sentence
Family proceedings
·
Non-Molestation
Orders;
·
Applications
under the Children (NI) Order 1995 such as Care Orders, Prohibited Steps
Orders, Emergency Protection Orders and Secure Accommodation Orders;
·
Declaratory
judgments in patients’ cases;
·
Child
abduction
Civil proceedings
·
Habeas Corpus
applications
·
Urgent
injunctions;
·
Urgent
judicial reviews