Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance
With effect from 2 June 2020 this page is now archived and no longer updated
7 April: We have removed a lot of the older resources and will now only maintain the more important guidance insofar as it relates to criminal practice.
UPDATED DAILY: HMCTS daily operational summary on courts and tribunals during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
7 April 2020: Revised CTL Protocol
3 April 2020 (updated): Legal Aid Agency contingency response
3 April 2020: CPS/Police charging protocol
2 April 2020: Police interviews, national protocol
30 March 2020: CPS Fees proposals
25 March 2020: Administrative Court Urgent Business
23 March 2020: Court of Appeal Procedure and Etiquette
The Vice-President of the CACD has provided the following guidance for hearings in the CACD during the period whilst there are variations in the way appeals and applications are conducted.
The Presiding LJJ of the individual constitutions will make decisions that are best suited for the circumstances of the cases they are hearing, but the default position is as follows:
i) To the extent that hearings are continuing, at least partially, as normal in a real courtroom, the conventional dress code continues for those assembling in court.
ii) Anyone appearing by way of a remote connection need not robe and business attire should be worn.
iii) Once we move to entirely virtual hearings, everyone, including the judiciary, will be in business attire.
iv) Advocates need to consider the “backdrop” when they are linking remotely from home, chambers or an office – it should be neutral and appropriate for a court hearing, if this is possible.
v) Advocates linking remotely need not “rise” when the court assembles etc.
The Presiding LJJ of the individual constitutions will make decisions that are best suited for the circumstances of the cases they are hearing, but the default position is as follows:
i) To the extent that hearings are continuing, at least partially, as normal in a real courtroom, the conventional dress code continues for those assembling in court.
ii) Anyone appearing by way of a remote connection need not robe and business attire should be worn.
iii) Once we move to entirely virtual hearings, everyone, including the judiciary, will be in business attire.
iv) Advocates need to consider the “backdrop” when they are linking remotely from home, chambers or an office – it should be neutral and appropriate for a court hearing, if this is possible.
v) Advocates linking remotely need not “rise” when the court assembles etc.