Barristers turn down trials over concerns about Covid

British Home Secretary Announces Proposed Changes In Sentencing Laws
Courts stayed operational this month as an “essential service”, but fears have been growing that safety measures in place in court are not sufficient
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Barristers are turning down work including jury trials over concerns for the safety of courts in the latest coronavirus lockdown.  

Courts stayed operational this month as an “essential service”, but fears have been growing that safety measures in place in court including social distancing and mask-wearing are not sufficient to combat the spread of the new strain of the virus.  

“We know that many of you are feeling extremely anxious at the moment,” the Bar Council said in a joint statement with Circuit Leader QCs from around the country. “Some barristers have taken the view that they do not consider it safe to attend court and some are returning trials [instructions].”

A decision to turn down work is significant in the legal profession, which has been badly hit financially by low numbers of cases being heard during the pandemic.

The Ministry of Justice provided further information on court safety measures last week, as barristers considered calling for a temporary halt to jury trials. 

A court staff union has demanded that in-person court hearings be paused.

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