LCCSA News, President's Report

Presidents Bulletin w/c 16th November 2020

PUBLISHED November 16, 2020
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I hope many of you have taken the time to login and look at our new website.  Please make use of the agents’ calendar and let us know how you are getting on https://www.lccsa.org.uk/my-account/agency-calendar/

 

 

COVID 19 updates

During lockdown 1 the courts sent around a ‘Livelink or Attendance Framework’ document to guide solicitors on expectations.  This should still be used and so I attach it again to ensure you have it to hand.  This can be found on our website under the COVID 19 tab https://www.lccsa.org.uk/category/covid-19/.  It is not binding on the tribunal but it is a useful starting point.  I am told though CVP is popular for overnight matters, there is a low take up for GAP and NGAP courts.  This document allows for applications to be made for these types of hearings but please try to give as much notice as possible.

 

We have been asked to remind members of the current expectations in magistrates’ courts regarding distancing and safety.  Unless exempt, please wear a face covering in all parts of the court building save in the court room itself.  Complying with the 2 metre rule at all times is not easy, particularly when using the advocates rooms, this may at times require people to wait for others to leave before entering.  I have asked HMCTS to consider if there are other rooms that can be used as advocates rooms to make this easier.  I know that too many venues do not provide enough space for us in normal times.  If you know of any underused space in your local courts, please let me know and I will make the request.  Some court staff will be tasked with reminding all users about distancing and masks so please don’t be offended if they remind you, we all forget from time to time.

 

Other news

The CPS will continue to pilot defence engagements surgeries for Highbury, Bromley and Croydon Magistrates’ on Thursdays from 3-6pm on Teams.  I am told the first week was a success.

 

Events

Members are invited to join me at the  online event hosted by HHJ Edmunds for Harrow and Isleworth on 26/11/20*.  If you wish to raise any issues you face at these courts or any other Crown Courts durign the pandemic please contact me directly:

 

The Resident Judges for the Crown Courts at Isleworth and Harrow and special guests will be on-line to share information on the operation of the courts as well as NEWS about DCS developments and the imminent SENTENCING CODE and answer questions from court users.

 

 *

Skype-in session GOLDFINGER 17:00 to 18:15 Thursday 26th November 2020

 

Special Guests – we hope to have with us senior judiciary, leaders of the bar and solicitors, and Professor David Ormerod.

 

Those who received an invitation to the last meeting on 19th August will automatically receive an invitation to this one.  If you were not an invitee to that meeting then to be sent a joining invitation please email isleworthcrowncourt@justice.gov.uk  Please put NOVEMBER SKYPE-IN in the Subject line.

 

Questions may be included in requests for a joining invitation or by instant message during the event

 

 

 

Kind regards,

 

Mark Troman

President LCCSA

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