Court times allocated

The Supreme Court of Victoria has allocated 38 sitting days available to hear matters in Horsham.

As part of the court’s commitment to the state, the 2020 Supreme Court calendar allows for up to 670 sitting days in regional courts – the highest number of regional dates in the court’s history.

The days cover criminal, common law and court of appeal divisions.

The court calendar includes periods in Horsham in July and August for the common law division and in May for the court of appeal.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Anne Ferguson said the court had a long history of making justice accessible to regional Victorians.

“Circuit sittings date back to 1852 when the court was first established,” she said.

“Today, we have technology that can bridge distance, but we should never forget the court is for all Victorians. It is important we take the court to the people in regional Victoria.

“The more we can take the court to locations that are closer to the individuals, companies and communities involved, the more we can demystify the work and role of the court and develop, listen and learn ourselves.

“The court also greatly values the work of regional lawyers, whose high calibre and dedication to their communities is crucial to making these circuits a reality.”

Allocating the time ensures facilities and judicial staff are available to sit on circuit.

The criminal circuit allocated for May and June has been vacated due to a lack of relevant matters.