17 February COVID-19 justice sector update

The justice sector in Victoria is continuing to follow the State Government’s public health advice on COVID-19. Most courts are continuing to operate online, while preparing for the staged easing of restrictions.

Here is an update about the operation of courts and tribunal services across Victoria, correct as at 17 February 2021.

• Anyone attending the Supreme Court of Victoria, County Court of Victoria, Magistrates’ Court of Victoria and/or Children’s Court of Victoria is expected to wear a face mask and register with a QR code when they attend a court building.
• Some jury trials underway at the Supreme Court of Victoria and County Court of Victoria continued during the recent circuit-breaker restrictions, and new trials will begin from Thursday 18 February. Read more from the Chief Justice.
• Court hearings adjourned in 2020 in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria (MCV) have resumed across regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne. Where possible, all matters currently listed for an in-person hearing will be conducted online. Visit the Magistrates' Court's website for more information on what to do if you have a case listed. Also see COVID-19 frequently asked questions on the Magistrates’ Court website.
• The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal is hearing matters by telephone and video-conference.
• Most Children’s Court matters are being conducted remotely by video conference.
• The Administrative Appeals Tribunal is closed to all visitors until further notice, but most of their services remain available online. They are conducting hearings and conferences by video or telephone.
• The Federal Circuit Court and Family Court are hearing most cases online.
• The High Court is continuing to deliver judgments, hear appeals and deal with special leave applications by video conference.

For updates about services provided by community legal centres, please refer to individual centres.

More information

Information for lawyers

Visit our COVID-19 information for lawyers hub for the latest COVID-19 updates and resources for practitioners.

Help with legal issues

Read where to get legal help with COVID-19 coronavirus

Information from the Victorian State Government

Department of Health and Human Services information about COVID-19

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