A young solicitors experience .
Following the recent resumption of in-person hearings at Court, a number of measures have been put in place to ensure social distancing can be maintained within Court rooms throughout Northern Ireland during Covid-19.
I recently attended Dungannon Courthouse for a case which was listed for hearing. The case was listed in the afternoon and was the only matter being dealt with by the Court, thereby limiting the number of people in the court room and waiting areas.
Signs were clearly displayed on all chairs both inside the court room and in waiting areas, identifying designated seating which may be used to ensure there was adequate space to maintain social distancing.
Trial bundles were submitted to the Court in electronic format prior to the hearing.
Face coverings were worn by security staff throughout the Courthouse and were also worn by solicitors and court staff during the hearing.
Although we are still far from full resumption of Court business it is encouraging that the measures and protocols which have been implemented assist in the progress of in-person cases within the County Court in Northern Ireland.
