THE ACT Magistrates Court will pause all non-essential final court hearings for two weeks, according to acting chief magistrate and chief coroner Glenn Theakston. 

Starting on Monday, March 23, the two week period will run, at this stage, until April 3.

During that period, Mr Theakston says the court will continue hearing other matters, including final hearings for defendants who are in custody and applications for protection orders.

The court continues to strongly encourage parties to make use of email, audio visual and telephone facilities instead of attending court in person, but this option is not available for all types of appearances.

Interim practice directions have been issued that describe how these arrangements work and what parties need to do before their scheduled appearance, Mr Theakston says.

He says the court will continue to make efforts to redirect available resources towards matters where criminal defendants remain in custody.

“Anyone required to self-isolate in accordance with government policy should not attend the Magistrates Court building,” he says.

“This includes those on bail or subject to summonses, subpoenas or other compulsory processes. Individuals in these circumstances must contact the registry in advance. They will receive advice about how their matters are to proceed. For example, they may be required to appear by audio visual link or by telephone, or their matter may be adjourned to another date.”