The courts have curtailed operations to reduce community transmission of the coronavirus.
However, some hearings still continue. Here is what you need to know:
Supreme Court bail hearings
New bail hearings remain suspended as long as the prison is under lockdown.
However, the Supreme Court will hear emergency bail applications for juveniles, senior citizens and the sick and in cases where the prosecution does not object to bail.
The deputy registrar in the criminal registry approves urgent bail applications.
Chief Justice Brian Moree recently announced that Supreme Court bail hearings that were set for March 24 to 26 will be re-listed soon. Judges will hear those bail applications by video-link.
Arraignments
Arraignments at the Supreme Court originally set for March occurred on May 8 in New Providence. They will take place in Grand Bahama on May 25.
In-custody defendants will enter pleas by video-link. Defendants on bail will appear in court but officials will limit the number of people allowed in court.
The presentation of Voluntary Bill of Indictments is on hold in the Magistrates’ Court, so it’s not known when Supreme Court arraignments will continue.
Trials
New jury trials won’t begin until after the national curfew is lifted. New trials on the civil side of the Supreme Court are suspended until May 25.
Civil judges will decide whether part-heard trials will proceed during the state of emergency or after it’s lifted.
Magistrates Courts
Arraignments are held in New Providence from 10:30am to 2:30pm. In Grand Bahama arraignments begin at 10:30am and end at 2pm and in Abaco they begin at 10:30am and ended at 1pm. No more than 10 persons are allowed in court at a time.
New and part-heard criminal and civil trials are suspended until the end of the state of emergency. This includes child support hearings.
However, the courts continue to accept child support payments.
Traffic Courts
If you don’t dispute your ticket, you can pay your fine at the cashier’s window. Police, however, will limit the number of people in the building.
New traffic trials will resume after the state of emergency is lifted.
