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Category: Courts and Trials / Law, Crime and Justice / Building and Construction

Full House: ACT Supreme Court runs out of room

Thursday, 1 Dec 2016 15:36:15 | Elizabeth Byrne

Construction of a new court complex is underway. (ABC News: Penny McLintock)

ACT Supreme Court cases are being delayed because of a lack of room, as the construction of a new court complex begins.

The court is at its busiest with a series of major trials in the lead up to Christmas and a lack of jury facilities has caused major logistical problems.

Chief Justice Helen Murrell's central listing system has resolved previous issues involving long waiting lists, however the changes have not resolved capacity issues.

With the final trial session of the year in full swing, the court is beyond capacity.

One prosecutor complained in a directions hearing this week that her trial had been put off twice.

In another major jury trial, the court was unable to reconvene as there were only three jury rooms for the five juries currently hearing or deliberating on cases.

"It's been an issue for some time but it's become more acute because of the steps taken by the Supreme Court to try to clear the backlog on the criminal list," Canberra barrister Ken Archer said.

Everyone acknowledges the court is trying to clear the backlog.

But with plans to renovate some jury courts before the new complex is ready, there are concerns about what happens next.

"There'll be a need to go to other courts in the territory outside those run and operated by the ACT to enable the court to do its job," Mr Archer said.

The High Court, which has a jury room, confirmed it had rejected a request from the ACT.

Other options include the Military Court at Fyshwick or even nearby buildings, fitted out to serve a jury.

The new court will not be ready for another year.

AustraliaPlus


 

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