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Prince Albert Provincial Court. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)
Court proceedings and COVID-19

Rising COVID-19 numbers leads to court delays

Dec 10, 2020 | 4:36 PM

A majority of court operations across the province are being placed on hold for a month, in response to the increased incidents of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan and guidance from the Chief Medical Health Officer (CMHO).

In a statement from the Saskatchewan Law Courts, and signed by Chief Judge J.A. Plemel, the provincial courts are suspending most trials, preliminary inquiries, and in-person hearings effective Monday, Dec. 14 until Friday, Jan. 15, 2021.

“The CMHO has advised against unnecessary travel outside of home communities and reduced the maximum gathering limits. It has also increased the recommendation for distancing, where physical barriers are not present in courtrooms, to three metres,” the statement said.

The statement goes on to explain in instances where the court has contact information, it will contact parties in advance of the trial date. At that time any party to a proceeding may apply to have a matter proceed. In order for the matter to proceed the court must be satisfied the trial can safely be held within the CMHO guidelines.

“The court continues to encourage lawyers and accused persons to appear by phone. Arrangements can be made via the local court office. Circuit point dockets will proceed but will be conducted by phone from the permanent court location.In most instances Court parties will not travel to the communities,” the statement explained.

This notice does not apply to the off-site traffic court dockets in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert and Estevan, which will continue, as distancing measures can be maintained and travel should not be a factor.

A spokesperson for the Legal Aid office in Prince Albert clarified people entitled to bail hearings will still receive one.

nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell

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