The Principal Judge of the Commercial Court has authorised the issue of the following notice in regards to urgent applications in the Commercial Court as affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).
Notice to the Profession
The Principal Judge of the Commercial Court has authorised the issue of the following notice.
Urgent Applications in the Commercial Court – COVID-19
1. Practitioners are advised that the Duty Judge of the Commercial Court continues to be available to hear urgent applications in accordance with existing procedures, which can be found on the Supreme Court website under ‘Urgent Hearings’.
2. For the purposes of minimising risk during the COVID-19 crisis, the Court process to resolve applications will usually be:
(1) by videoconference – Webex or Zoom;
(2) by teleconference;
(3) on the papers; or
(4) by any other method directed by the Court.
3. To facilitate the hearing of urgent applications, each party should:
(1) provide the Court with the email addresses and mobile numbers of the person/s appearing on behalf of the party; and those instructing or observing;
(2) ensure that each person, and in particular the person/s appearing on behalf of the party, has an appropriate computer or other device with a strong internet connection; and
(3) conduct him or herself in a manner appropriate for a hearing in the Supreme Court.
4. Parties may be assisted by reference to ‘Guidance for Civil Proceedings affected by Coronavirus’ and ‘Information about Virtual Hearings at the Court’.
5. Please refer to Notice to the Profession – Practice Court (Common Law) – COVID 19 for details on the management of urgent Common Law matters.
16 April 2020
The Honourable Justice Riordan
Principal Judge of the Commercial Court