Courthouse closures extended
SYDNEY — The suspension of all in-person provincial court appearances has now been extended until the end of the month as the province continues with measures aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19.
“This directive will be re-evaluated as the number of COVID-19 cases in the province and public health restrictions change,” said Jennifer Stairs, communications director for the Nova Scotia Judiciary.
Stairs said that during the suspension, provincial court judges in certain locations may require in-person attendance of local lawyers for contested bail hearings. Counsel involved in contested proceedings should check with the judge presiding in that jurisdiction for direction.
She said all other in-person appearances in provincial court scheduled through to May 31 will be adjourned and rescheduled. Court staff will contact counsel regarding rescheduling.
“This directive does not affect scheduled or new provincial court matters that can be done remotely by telephone, videoconferencing or a combination of the two technologies. Those matters will proceed, unless the presiding judge orders otherwise,” said Stairs.
For those not in custody and have a court appearance scheduled by telephone or video, the matter will proceed unless contacted by court staff to make other arrangements.
“If you are unsure of the status of your matter, please contact the courthouse where your matter is scheduled to be heard,” stressed Stairs.
For individuals not in custody and who have an in-person appearance in provincial court between now and May 31, they are being advised not to go to their local courthouse.
“Instead, they should contact the courthouse where their matter is scheduled to be heard or contact duty counsel at Nova Scotia Legal Aid to assist with adjourning the matter.”
Individuals can apply online using the Legal Aid adjournment request form or by calling call 902-420-7800.
When a new date is assigned, individuals will be expected to show up in-person.
Adjournments for Wagmatcook provincial court will be handled by telephone through the provincial court in Port Hawkesbury. Lawyers wanting to bring forward all their Wagmatcook court matters on a particular date, they can do so only with advance notice to Christine.taylor@courts.ns.ca.
Public access to courthouses across Nova Scotia continues to be limited to those who work in the building or local lawyers required to attend in-person for a contested bail hearing.
The resolution of nonurgent matters remains a priority for the provincial and youth courts. Lawyers are encouraged to continue reviewing their cases to see what can be resolved without an in-person hearing.
Until further notice, the provincial court will hold all pre-trial and resolution conferences via telephone.
For individuals seeking to vary release conditions, staff at Nova Scotia Legal Aid will assist any unrepresented accused who needs urgent changes to their undertaking, recognizance or release order.
“Anyone who does not have a lawyer and is looking to vary their release conditions should contact the Legal Aid office nearest to the courthouse from which they were released,” said Stairs.