Initial Reflections on the Potential Effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Courts and Judiciary of England and Wales

John Sorabji

doi:10.36745/ijca.394

Abstract

This paper considers the initial impact of the Cvid-19 pandemic on the administration of the courts in England and Wales. It explores the early empirical evidence the pandemic has had on the digitisation of justice. It further considers the medium to longer term potential impact the pandemic’s consequences, and the effect it has had on digitisation of the courts, on court procedures, the nature of the judiciary, and the legal profession.

Highlights

The English and Welsh civil justice system has, over the last thirty years, been subject to significant and continuing reform
This paper considers the initial impact of the Cvid-19 pandemic on the a dministration of the courts in England and Wales
The various changes caused by the pandemic, the main focus of which was on the increased use of online video hearings, resulted in what Lord Burnett, the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, described as the ‘biggest pilot project the courts have ever seen’,19 albeit one done ‘at great speed.’[20]. It was one that saw 80% of High Court work continue, with only a slight reduction in the work of the Court of Appeal’s Civil Division.[21]

Summary

John Sorabji*

This paper considers the initial impact of the Cvid-19 pandemic on the a dministration of the courts in England and Wales. It explores the early empirical evidence the pandemic has had on the digitisation of justice. It further considers the medium to longer term potential impact the pandemic’s consequences, and the effect it has had on digitisation of the courts, on court procedures, the nature of the judiciary, and the legal profession

Introduction

John Sorabji

Findings

Conclusion