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Covid-19 - Circuit court services suspended

Please visit https://localcourt.nt.gov.au/court-updates for the latest court updates relating to Covid-19.

March 14, 2020 - In light of the developing COVID-19 situation and the unique risks posed by the breadth of the NT Local Court’s circuit footprint, the Local Court will be suspending all circuit court services effective immediately.

At this stage they will resume on 1 May 2020 as per the current court calendars, and additional days may be required. These measures will not affect Tennant Creek Local Court dates.

Matters affected by these measures will be heard in their base jurisdiction in order to be adjourned. i.e. all Lajamanu Local Court matters listed on 17 March 2020 will be heard at Katherine Local Court on the 17 March 2020.

For circuits which involve multiple sitting days all matters will be heard in the base jurisdiction on the first day of the sitting in order to be adjourned. i.e. all Alyangula Local Court matters listed 17-19 March 2020 will be heard in Darwin Local Court on 17 March 2020.

Custody matters will be dealt with in the base jurisdiction with defendants appearing by AVL from correctional facilities at first instance. Where possible, matters will proceed from the base jurisdiction.

Katherine Local Court will be open and sitting on the previously listed circuit court days.

Until further notice all applications made for video and audio link will be fast-tracked. As usual, urgent domestic violence orders can be dealt by audio link.

NOTICE #1 TO PRACTITIONERS, LITIGANTS AND THE VISITING PUBLIC – COVID-19

https://localcourt.nt.gov.au/court-updates/covid-19-information-practitioners-litigants-and-visiting-public

13 March 2020

  1. The Courts will be acting in accordance with advice from Government health authorities to ensure consistency among public institutions to avoid confusion and unnecessary disruption.
  2. We are currently advised that we are in the prevention stage of dealing with the coronavirus. During the prevention stage the Courts will be conducting business as usual without modification to the lists.
  3. Mentions and pre-trial hearings are to be conducted by way of audio link where possible.
  4. For mentions and pre-trial hearings, prisoners should appear by audio-visual link from the prison where possible, unless excused if legally represented.
  5. Updated advice is available on the Australian Government’s “Find the Facts” Page:
  6. Hand sanitising liquid/gel will be made available in the court foyers and courtrooms.
  7. If you are required to isolate yourself at home for 14 days you should contact the relevant Court Registry to advise your situation. Currently, you MUST isolate yourself at home for 14 days:
  • if you have left, or transited through, mainland China on or after 1 February 2020, or
  • if you have left, or transited through Iran on or after 1 March 2020, or
  • if you have left, or transited through, the Republic of Korea, on or after 5 March 2020, or
  • if you have been in close contact with a proven case of COVID-19:

The situation is evolving and the courts will be taking a precautionary approach.

This notice will be updated as the circumstances require.

Office details

Office: 3/6 Lindsay St. Darwin NT 0800
Post: GPO Box 2388 Darwin NT 0801
ABN: 62 208 314 893

Contact

Please note that the Society does not offer legal advice.

A list of lawyers can be found here.

Telephone: (08) 8981 5104
Email: lawsoc@lawsocietynt.asn.au

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