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Queensland courts reintroduce jury trials
Given the dwindling number of infections in Queensland, the Supreme and District Courts are on track to resume jury trials in the second half of 2020.
Naomi Neilson
As public health considerations suggest a transition to stage two of restrictions by the middle of next month, jury trials can be resumed with “limitations and precautions” in the week of 22 June. Courts are contemplating having one District Court judge preside over the trials.
The courts are anticipating that the Supreme Court in Brisbane will begin to consider lifting restrictions in courtrooms and listing trials after the mid-year closure. Subject to the same considerations, the same can be said of the Supreme and District Courts in regional areas which will also recommence listing jury trials to a certain extent.
Adjustments will be made to ensure jurors have greater space and the sheriff’s policy in relation to jury excusals will be amended to emphasise flexibility on the basis of health.
Given the lack of infections in correctional centres, the listing of sentences for persons on bail and facing actual imprisonment can be increased on a gradual basis. Local difficulties in transporting and housing prisoners will still continue to be taken into account.
Naomi Neilson
Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly.
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