ONLINE EVENT: Courts in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic

As many countries ease the lockdown measures prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, courts, which have been closed during the height of the pandemic, will also reopen their doors. The return to court is likely to be gradual, and "social distancing" protocols may need to be put in place to continuously protect participants in judicial proceedings. Meanwhile, courts will be confronted with a backlog of cases and will have to adjudicate on new types of cases. These will likely include legal action by individuals against sanctions for breach of quarantine or other emergency measures, as well as cases challenging emergency legislation on constitutional and human rights grounds. Questions are also going to arise relating to judicial administration and court management following the expiry of emergency measures. 

Following up on its recent webinar on the functioning of courts during the pandemic, ODIHR is gathering a number of partner organizations to discuss the challenges and possible guidance for courts in the aftermath of the pandemic.  

The meeting will inform forthcoming ODIHR activities aiming to assist participating States, courts, judges, judges associations and judicial self-governing bodies in managing the situation prompted by the pandemic.