Sask. courts take more precautions related to pandemic

Access at provincial level restricted and lesser matters will be adjourned

Attempts to curb the spread of COVID-19 have led to another round of restrictions at Saskatchewan courts — though not yet the shutdown some provinces have seen.

On Tuesday evening, the courts issued further amendments to the way they will operate for the time being.

“Saskatchewan’s courts are actively responding to the COVID -19 situation in an effort to both stem the spread of the virus and maintain operations to the extent possible,” read the release signed by Chief Judge James Plemel. “Each of Saskatchewan’s three courts faces very different operational issues in responding to the challenges posed by COVID-19.”

The release outlined changes to provincial courts, which typically see the largest influx of people on a daily basis.

“In order to protect the health and safety of all Court users and help contain the spread of COVID-19 the Provincial Court of Saskatchewan is reducing court operations while ensuring meaningful access to the Court for those with urgent matters,” the release stated.

RESTRICTIONS ON ATTENDING COURT

Effective March 23, access to provincial courthouses in the province will be restricted to those “necessary to the proceedings before the Court.” That means legal counsel, litigants, accused, witnesses, support workers, treatment court workers and media.

The new protocol means most members of the public cannot attend.

In addition, anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 is advised to self-isolate.

Those with symptoms who have scheduled court appearances or are subpoenaed to appear should call the court office in question or, if not available, the provincial prosecutions office.

Increased cleaning is underway inside courthouses, and everyone who attends is asked to co-operate with recommended handwashing and use of hand sanitizer and ensure social distancing by keeping one to two metres from others.

While the 13 permanent court locations will stay open at this point — with in-custody matters proceeding — non-custody matters, ticket matters, small claims and bylaw cases are subject to adjournment. Non-custody docket matters will be heard, but will then be adjourned, along with tickets, small claims and bylaw matters, to dates after May 31.

For non-trial/preliminary hearing matters, lawyers are urged to appear by phone while video will be used for in-custody accused where possible.

More information for those with non-custody criminal matters, tickets, small claims and bylaw matters is available on the Saskatchewan Courts’ website at sasklawcourts.ca.

CIRCUIT COURTS CLOSING

Circuit courts in northern fly-in locations are now closed and the remaining circuit court points will close beginning Monday. Court proceedings at those points are being adjourned to dates past May 31.

Those without a lawyer are asked to contact the court office responsible for the circuit court ahead of the scheduled date. Arrangements can then be made for a phone appearance.

Some circuit points might still proceed with trials and preliminary hearings for in-custody accused if considered urgent. All other matters will be adjourned to dates after May 31. Other in-custody accused from those points will appear at local permanent court points.

Notices will be posted at circuit location doors providing information about adjourned court dates and contact numbers.

CHILD PROTECTION MATTERS

Applications with respect to urgent child protection matters will proceed at provincial court permanent locations. Local judges will determine whether hearings will take place.

MORE INFORMATION

Updates on the COVID-19 situation within Saskatchewan courts are being posted on the court website at sasklawcourts.ca. Further information will posted there as it becomes available.