Court to resume short trials in June

EDMONTON Alberta’s superior court will begin to emerge from its Covid-19-induced stasis next month, with the resumption of short trials in “COVID -safe courtrooms.”

The Court of Queen’s Bench announced Friday it would begin hearing certain short, judgealone criminal trials in person next month — a first since the pandemic forced the court to drastically scale back operations.

Since March 15, the court has been hearing only cases deemed urgent or emergency, adjourning the majority of matters until after the worst of the pandemic.

That remained the case as much of the province began Phase 1 of reopening May 14, leading a frustrated Edmonton law firm to call for an “immediate” resumption of court activities.

In a letter, Liberty Law called on the provincial government to work with the courts, allowing them to “immediately start functioning in accordance with ... Alberta Health guidelines,” including physical distancing and the use of masks.

The letter said the pandemic was making the already significant backlog in cases “untenable.”

Writing in response, Deputy Justice Minister Frank Bosscha said the government’s “top priority” is working with the judiciary to “to protect the health and safety of individuals attending at any of Alberta’s courthouses.”

Bosscha stressed courts have heard almost 1,500 cases remotely via web conference, including docket appearances and sentencing hearings. He added the government is preparing court facilities for “increased usage” with signage, distancing markers and Plexiglas barriers.

Crown prosecutors expressed concerns about Liberty Law’s call to resume more court activities.

Alberta Crown Attorneys’ Association president Damian Rogers told Postmedia many courthouses aren’t set up for proper physical distancing. “Prosecutors, like all workers, are entitled to safe workplaces,” he said.

Friday’s Queen’s Bench announcement said the court would give priority to trials scheduled between March 16 and June 26 that were cancelled because of the pandemic.it would also give special consideration to cases with accused people who are in custody, and cases nearing deadlines set by the Supreme Court’s Jordan decision. The court will hear these cases both in person of via web conference. Queen’s Bench jury trials remain on hold until at least September.