Published at 08.30
The Bar Council's statement following the latest Government measures announced by the Prime Minister on 23 March to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak:
Chair of the Bar, Amanda Pinto QC, says:
"The Prime Minister's message yesterday evening was clear that everyone must stay at home to inhibit all contact and stall the spread of Covid-19. Since the announcement, we have been seeking clarity from the Senior Judiciary on what will happen with courts from Tuesday 24 March 2020. We had hoped to have this advice earlier but, just before midnight, we saw guidance indicating that you should not attend the Civil or Family Courts in person. You should not attend the Crown Court in person unless you are in a part-heard trial. The situation for Magistrates' Courts is unclear, but we suggest you do not attend in person until the guidance is clear. I have a planned call first thing in the morning with the Senior Presiding Judge. If no published guidance is available to the profession by then, we will pass on any further details we get from her."
Ends