New Guidance from the Lord Chief Justice’s Office

New guidance from the Lord Chief Justice’ Office for the Courts in light on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has today been published. This guidance revokes and replaces the guidance note issued on 24 March 2020.

Court business will continue to be consolidated in the Royal Courts of Justice (RCJ), Laganside Courts, Lisburn, Dungannon and Londonderry Courthouses. Taking into account Public Health Agency guidance, the Lord Chief Justice has initiated reviews of cases listed for hearing in the Court of Appeal and High Court with a view to commencing the gradual and incremental recovery of court business. The key changes to note are:

• The reviews of cases listed for hearing in the Court of Appeal and High Court;
• The forthcoming review of cases listed for hearing in all other courts;
• The arrangements for Grants of Representation, Probate: and
• The listing of Preliminary Enquiries for hearing where the defendant is in custody.

Click to read the Guidance in full. New forms can be found on the Judiciary NI’s COVID-19 online hub.