CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) BULLETINS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
BULLETIN - Ending of Covid-19 Protocols: Operation of Registrar Lists
17 October 2022
The Supreme Court has today issued the following Bulletin Ending of Covid-19 Protocols: Operation of Registrar Lists.
BULLETIN - Ending of Supreme Court Covid-19 Protocols - Effective from 01 October 2022
29 September 2022
The Chief Justice has issued the following Bulletin Ending of Supreme Court Covid-19 Protocols (effective 01 October 2022).
BULLETIN - Supreme Court Revised COVID Protocols - Effective from 20 September 2022 and superseding previous COVID protocols
20 September 2022
The Supreme Court has issued the following Revised COVID Protocols (effective 20 September 2022) that supersede previous COVID protocols.
BULLETIN - Supreme Court Revised COVID Protocols - Effective from Monday, 02 May 2022 and superseding previous COVID protocols
02 May 2022
The Supreme Court has issued the following Revised COVID Protocols (effective 02 May 2022) that supersede previous COVID protocols.
BULLETIN - Protocol for Supreme Court Criminal Jury Trials - Effective Monday, 02 May 2022
02 May 2022
The Supreme Court has issued the following Protocol for Supreme Court Criminal Jury Trials, effective from 02 May 2022. Updated on 16 May 2022.
BULLETIN - Protocol for the Commercial List, Technology & Construction List and Commercial Arbitration List
04 April 2022
The Supreme Court has issued the following Protocol for the Commercial List, Technology & Construction List and Commercial Arbitration List.
BULLETIN - Supreme Court COVID Protocol + Criminal Jury Trial Protocol - Effective Monday, 04 April 2022
28 March 2022
The Supreme Court has issued the following updated COVID protocols, both effective from Monday 04 April 2022:
- Updated Supreme Court COVID Protocol; and
- Updated Criminal Jury Trial Protocol.
BULLETIN - Updated Protocol for the Commercial, Technology & Construction and Commercial Arbitration Lists - Effective Monday, 04 February 2022
01 February 2022
The Supreme Court has issued the following Updated Protocol for the Commercial, Technology & Construction and Commercial Arbitration Lists, effective 04 February 2022.
BULLETIN - Supreme Court COVID Protocol - Effective Monday, 31 January 2022
25 January 2022
The Chief Justice has issued the following Supreme Court COVID Protocol, effective 31 January 2022.
BULLETIN - Protocol for criminal proceedings
25 January 2022
The Chief Justice has issued the following update on information about Protocols for Criminal Proceedings.
BULLETIN - Supreme Court COVID Protocol - Effective Tuesday, 04 January 2022
15 December 2021
The Chief Justice has issued the following Supreme Court COVID Protocol, effective 04 January 2022.
BULLETIN - Protocol for criminal proceedings
23 November 2021
The Chief Justice has issued the following update on information about Protocols for Criminal Proceedings.
BULLETIN - Update re. Court operations
04 November 2021
The Chief Justice has today issued the following Update to Court Operations.
BULLETIN - Update to Corporations List Protocol
28 October 2021
An updated Corporations List Protocol has been published.
BULLETIN - Update to protocols for Real Property and Commercial, Technology & Construction Lists
15 October 2021
Updated protocols have been issued for the following Supreme Court Lists:
- The Real Property List; and
- The Commercial, Technology & Construction List
BULLETIN - Update re. Court operations
08 October 2021
The Chief Justice has today issued the following Update to Court Operations.
BULLETIN - Update re. Court operations
30 September 2021
The information published below on 20 August 2021 is updated as follows:
The expiry date of that information is extended to Friday 08 October 2021.
BULLETIN - Update to Virtual Courtroom Fact Sheet
02 September 2021
An updated version of the Fact Sheet for Virtual Courtroom (v.5) participants has been published today.
Following a recent upgrade to the virtual courtroom system (Cisco Meeting Space, or CMS), the 'List of Compatibles Browsers' section in the Fact Sheet has been updated with new minumum browsers version details.
BULLETIN - Update re. Court operations
20 August 2021
The information below was originally published on 25 June 2021 and is updated today as follows:
From Monday, 28 June 2021 to Thursday, 30 September 2021:
- All matters will be conducted via AVL. No live appearances will be permitted.
- No new criminal trials will commence. Current criminal trials will continue.
- The public counter will remain closed from Monday, 28 June to Thursday, 30 September and filings will be via online registry or email. For other changes to registry administrative arrangements, check here.
To assist parties appearing before the Court via the Virtual Courtroom (AVL): The Virtual Courtroom (Fact Sheet).
BULLETIN - Update re. Court operations
28 July 2021
The information below was originally published on 25 June 2021 and is updated today as follows:
From Monday, 28 June to Saturday, 28 August:
- All matters will be conducted via AVL. No live appearances will be permitted.
- No new criminal trials will commence. Current criminal trials will continue.
- The public counter will close from Monday, 28 June to Friday, 27 August and filings will be via
online registry or 
email. For other changes to registry administrative arrangements, check here.
To assist parties appearing before the Court via the Virtual Courtroom (AVL): 
The Virtual Courtroom (Fact Sheet)
BULLETIN - Update to Virtual Courtroom Fact Sheet
28 July 2021
An updated version of the Fact Sheet for Virtual Courtroom (v.4) participants has been published today. Please note new technical advice for participants using Google Chrome as their preferred browser for connection to the virtual courtroom.
BULLETIN - Update re. Court operations
19 July 2021
The earlier dates published below on 25 June 2021 are updated as follows:
From Monday 28 June to Friday 30 July:
- All matters will be conducted via AVL. No live appearances will be permitted.
- No new criminal trials will commence. Current criminal trials will continue.
- The public counter will close from Monday 28 June to Friday 30 July and filings will be via online registry or email. For other changes to registry administrative arrangements, check here.
To assist parties appearing before the Court via AVL: The Virtual Courtroom (Factsheet)
BULLETIN - Update re. Court operations
25 June 2021
From Monday 28 June to Friday 16 July:
- All matters will be conducted via AVL. No live appearances will be permitted.
- No new criminal trials will commence. Current criminal trials will continue.
- The public counter will close from Monday 28 June to Friday 16 July and filings will be via online registry or email. For other changes to registry administrative arrangements, check here.
To assist parties appearing before the Court via AVL: The Virtual Courtroom (Factsheet)
BULLETIN - Update re. Court operations
22 June 2021
In line with the current NSW Government COVID-19 advice, the Court has issued the following update regarding face coverings / masks:
Masks will be compulsory throughout the court. Masks should be worn in all areas. Everyone in a courtroom must wear a mask, unless:
- The person concerned is an active participant in the proceedings namely the presiding judge, a practitioner who is responsible for presenting the case in court or a witness giving evidence; or
- one of the exemptions stated in the Public Health Order applies.
BULLETIN - Update re. Court operations
20 June 2021
In line with the current NSW Government COVID-19 advice, the Court has issued the following policy:
Masks and face-coverings - Court
Masks should be worn in all public corridors and waiting areas within that part of the court building solely occupied by the Supreme Court.
Everyone in a courtroom must wear a mask, unless:
- The person concerned is an active participant in the proceedings namely the presiding judge, a practitioner who is responsible for presenting the case in court or a witness giving evidence.
- one of the exemptions stated in the Public Health Order applies; or
- at the discretion of the presiding judge.
Jurors and Jury Trials
Jurors are strongly encouraged to wear a mask at all times. Masks will be provided to jurors by the Office of the Sheriff.
BULLETIN - Update re. operations
10 May 2021
In line with current NSW Government COVID-19 advice, the Court has issued the following policy:
Masks and face-coverings - Court
Masks should be worn in all public corridors and waiting areas within that part of the court building solely occupied by the Supreme Court.
Everyone in a courtroom must wear a mask, unless:
- The person concerned is an active participant in the proceedings namely the presiding judge, a practitioner who is responsible for presenting the case in court or a witness giving evidence.
- one of the exemptions stated in the Public Health Order applies.
Jurors and Jury Trials
Jurors are strongly encouraged to wear a mask at all times. Masks will be provided to jurors by the Office of the Sheriff.
BULLETIN - Update re. operations
12 February 2021
Fitted face coverings (masks)
In view of the further easing of some mandatory requirements to wear masks, the Court has adopted the following policy:
You are not required to wear a mask when attending Court or the public registry. The Court continues to recommend the use of masks. The Court has no objection to a person wearing a mask in Court, if they wish to do so, subject to any order or direction from the presiding judge.
Physical distancing - courtrooms
Signs on the entry to each Supreme Court courtroom note the number of people permitted in each courtroom. This complies with the prevailing public health order concerning gatherings and movement and allows for 1.5m spacing between individuals within the courtroom.
Physical distancing – capacity – other spaces
Other spaces within the Court buildings, such as meeting rooms and waiting areas, will be assessed and the signs updated to reflect the prevailing public health order concerning gatherings and movement and the need to maintain 1.5m spacing between individuals.
Physical distancing – lifts
The lift capacity for the public lifts at the Law Courts building, Queens Square, will increase from two people to four. Lifts at other locations will be re-assessed and signs within the lift will be updated, where necessary, to clearly indicate the lift capacity.
QR codes
The Court has placed a QR code on each floor. The codes are prominently displayed as a person exits the public lift and other locations on each floor. The public and legal practitioners are required to 'check-in'. Contactless check-in codes are also available at Hospital Road, King Street and Darlinghurst.
BULLETIN - Update to administrative processes for the Court of Appeal
05 February 2021
The Court previously announced changes to its processes due to the public health responses arising out of COVID-19. Those measures included the suspension of the requirement to provide hard copies of authorities to Level 12 authorities' box as well as the making of appointments for the delivery of appeal books to the Registry. With the re-opening of the Registry to the general public, those changes no longer need to remain in place.
There is no longer a need to make an appointment to lodge appeal books. Appeal books can be lodged with the Registry at any time during its usual business hours.
Similarly, the delivery by parties of hard copies of the authorities mentioned at [32] of the Practice Note to Level 12 for upcoming hearings will also resume.
Parties and the Profession should continue to provide electronic copies of the appeal books and White Folders for upcoming hearings.
BULLETIN - Update re. operations
29 January 2021
Fitted face coverings (masks)
In view of the easing of some mandatory requirements to wear masks, the Court has
adopted the following policy:
- You are not required to wear a mask where you are participating in proceedings before
the Court or a party to proceedings, this includes legal practitioners and self-represented
litigants, witness, jurors and accused persons in criminal trials. However, there is no
objection to you wearing a mask in Court if you so wish, subject to any order or direction
from the presiding judge.
- You are not required to wear a mask when attending the Court public registry. However,
there is no objection to you wearing a mask, should you wish to do so.
- You are required to wear a mask (except if one of the Public Health exemptions apply) if
you are attending Court but have no direct interest, as outlined above, in the matter you
are observing.
Physical distancing
Signs on the entry to each Supreme Court courtroom note the number of people permitted
in each courtroom. This complies with the one person per 4m2 principle and the 1.5m
spacing requirement.
QR codes
The Court has placed a QR code on each floor. The codes are prominently displayed as a
person exits the public lift and other locations on each floor. The public and legal
practitioners are required to ‘check-in’. Contactless check-in codes are also available at
Hospital Road, King Street and Darlinghurst.
BULLETIN - Update re. operations
04 January 2021
Fitted face coverings (masks)
Masks should be worn in all public corridors and waiting areas within that part of the court building solely occupied by the Supreme Court.
Everyone in a courtroom must wear a mask, unless:
a) The person concerned is an active participant in the proceedings namely the presiding judge, a practitioner who is responsible for presenting the case in court or a witness giving evidence.
b) one of the exemptions stated in the Public Health (COVID-19 Mandatory Face Coverings) Order 2021 applies; or
c) at the discretion of the presiding judge.
Jurors and Jury trials
Jurors are strongly encouraged to wear a mask at all times. Masks will be provided.
Supreme Court trials operating from the Downing Centre
The Chief Judge of the District Court has issued an update concerning procedures that apply for the District Court and Dust Diseases Tribunal. Judges sitting in the Downing Centre should ensure compliance with the District Court protocol.
Court staff
All court staff are strongly encouraged to wear a mask. Masks should be worn when entering a public area of the court.
Physical distancing
Signs on the entry to each Supreme Court courtroom notes the number of people permitted in each courtroom. This complies with the one person per 4m2 principle and the 1.5m spacing requirement.
QR codes
The Court has placed a QR code on each floor. The codes are prominently displayed as a person exits the public lift and other locations on each floor. The public and legal practitioners are required to ‘check-in’. Contactless check-in codes are also available at Hospital Road, King Street and Darlinghurst.
BULLETIN - Updated protocol re. Court Operations
09 June 2020
Please select here for updated details of the Court's Operations for COVID-19.
NOTE: An earlier version of this document was published on 21 May 2020 This document was replaced with the version published on 09 June 2020 (see above).
ANNOUNCEMENT: NSW Supreme Court moves towards resuming face-to-face hearings
20 May 2020
The NSW Supreme Court today announced its first steps towards reopening to parties and the public, as government restrictions ease around the COVID-19 pandemic.
NSW Chief Justice Tom Bathurst said some face-to-face civil hearings would resume on 1 June 2020, followed by criminal jury trials from 29 June 2020.
"For the first time in living memory, personal appearances were essentially banned in our courtrooms two months ago to help minimise the spread of the virus," Chief Justice Bathurst said.
"I am pleased to outline a return to in-court hearings, in a measured and staged approach that protects the health and wellbeing of all court users."
Some civil hearings with limited parties, witnesses and legal representatives will be able to return to the courtroom in a fortnight's time. Those involving multiple parties and witnesses will follow in stage two, with directions hearings, judges' and registrars' lists and court-annexed mediations to return in the final stage. It is envisaged that because of the improved technology, some of the lists will continue to be dealt with online.
Criminal jury trials will resume at the end of June but will require at least two courtrooms each to accommodate social distancing requirements.
Chief Justice Bathurst thanked the legal profession and court staff for their extraordinary efforts in keeping the Court almost fully operational during recent months.
"The move to virtual courtrooms, seemingly overnight, created unprecedented disruption to our usual processes," he said.
"The shift to a remote system of justice was not without its technical challenges, yet I am confident we are getting better each day, and I see an innovative and flexible future ahead."
"Remarkably, the Court has continued to operate essentially at its normal capacity, with Judges hearing close to 20 matters per day, including contested interlocutory applications. Judges and Registrars, dealing with case-management, are hearing over 500 matters per week."
"To have continued listing cases at such a high level is a credit to everyone involved."
The Chief Justice said of the civil hearings and special fixtures listed in the Common Law Division for 19 months between March 2020 and October 2021, only seven have been vacated due to COVID-19.
During the shutdown, the Equity Judges have, on average, been hearing 12 contested interlocutory and final hearings per day and providing case-management to over 200 cases per week.
Both the Court of Appeal and the Court of Criminal Appeal have heard all appeals that were scheduled for hearing in March, April and May, and no appeals have been vacated because of the shutdown. In that same period, the Court of Appeal has delivered 68 judgments and the Court of Criminal Appeal 70 judgments.
Thirteen criminal trials were delayed due to the pandemic, and five accused (in a further four trials) have taken the option for trial by judge-alone.
An average of 40 bail applications are being heard and determined by Judges per week.
As the NSW Supreme Court slowly and safely reopens its courtrooms, all reasonable steps and precautions will be taken to minimise the risk of transmission of COVID-19 including:
staggered courtroom start and finish times, commencing at 9am and sitting up to 5pm
new jury selection procedures
temperature checks for court users
visual guidance in courtrooms to follow physical distancing requirements
hand sanitiser stations
increased cleaning and disinfecting, focusing on high traffic areas.
BULLETIN - Updated factsheet for The Virtual Courtroom
30 April 2020
The Registry has issued an updated factsheet for The Virtual Courtroom that updates an earlier version published in late March. The factsheet provides information to practitioners and participants who appear before the Supreme Court using the Virtual Courtroom (or 'CMS') audio-visual link system.
The updated version includes information about a test link that parties can use ahead of their appearance.
BULLETIN - Arraignments List - Procedural Directions
15 April 2020
- Consistent with the announcement of the Chief Justice on 23 March 2020 published on the Supreme Court website, there will be no appearances, in person, in the arraignments list either by practitioners or an accused until further notice.
- In accordance with the procedures in ss 22C(3) and (4) of the Evidence (Audio and Audio Visual Links) Act 1998 (NSW), introduced following the passage of the COVID-19 Legislation Amendment (Emergency Measures) Act 2020 (NSW), it is intended that the appearance of practitioners and the accused will be via AVL.
- Section 22C(5) of the Evidence (Audio and Audio Visual Links) Act operates in the context of the arraignments list by providing that the Court may direct that an accused and their legal representative, and a legal representative for the Crown, are to appear by audio visual link "but only after the parties have had an opportunity to be heard".
- Any practitioner who wishes to be heard on that question should furnish a written submission to the Criminal List Judge's chambers (and copied to the Crown) no later than midday the day before the arraignments list is to be called over setting out the basis upon which an order under s 22C is resisted. The submission will be considered in chambers and the parties advised by email whether a direction under s 22C will be made or not.
- An accused who is in custody will continue to appear via the established AVL system which connects the Court to NSW Correctional Centres.
- Where an accused in custody does not wish to appear via the established AVL system or where an accused is on bail and does not wish to appear via the Virtual Courtroom, the accused's legal representatives are to send an email to the Criminal List Judge's chambers (and copied to the Crown) no later than midday the day before the list is to be called over. The request will be considered in chambers and the parties advised by email whether there will be a direction that the accused appear via AVL or via the Virtual Courtroom as the case may be.
- Legal practitioners appearing in the arraignments list are to advise the Criminal List Judge's chambers by email of their intended appearance (first initial and surname) no later than midday on the day before the arraignments list is to be convened. Details to connect to the Virtual Courtroom will be provided in a reply email.
- Until further notice the arraignments list will convene at 11:00am on the first and third Friday of each month.
- The matters in the arraignments list will be called over by the Criminal List Judge at the time allocated and in the order in which they appear on the Court List on the Supreme Court website. Please note the times allocated are an estimate only. However, practitioners (and an accused not in custody) should ensure they have joined the Virtual Courtroom in advance of the time allocated to ensure that when their matter is called the practitioner (and the accused) are available to appear.
- When connecting to the Virtual Courtroom, a practitioner should provide the following details:
- number in the list
- party represented (Crown or accused);
- first initial of practitioner's given name;
- practitioner's surname
- Practitioners using a web browser to connect to the Virtual Courtroom are encouraged to use either the latest version of Google Chrome or Firefox.
- To minimise the risk of disconnection, practitioners are encouraged to use a hard-wired Internet connection (by plugging their device directly into a router or modem) in preference to use of a wireless connection.
- If a practitioner is disconnected from the Virtual Courtroom during the proceedings, they should re-join using the link provided.
- For further information a fact sheet, published by the Court to assist participants in navigating the Virtual Courtroom environment, is here.
- To minimise noise and feedback during the proceedings, practitioners should ensure their devices are on mute and cameras off until their matter is called. Devices will need to be unmuted and cameras activated when practitioners address the Court.
- Where solicitors instructing counsel appear, both the video and audio to their device should remain off at all times.
Note - Judge alone trials
- Attention is also drawn to the COVID-19 Legislation Amendment Act and the consequential amendment to s 365 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW) relating to Judge alone trials ("JAT") utilising the facility of the Virtual Courtroom. The parties are encouraged to consider whether a JAT is feasible in the circumstances of the particular trial
- If the consent of the accused to a JAT is forthcoming, then the Crown should advise the accused and the Court of its position without delay.
BULLETIN - Succession Notice
08 April 2020
From 23 March 2020, all Probate List cases and family provision applications will be case managed by Justice P Hallen as the Succession Judge.
There will be no changes to the current listings of Probate List case or family provision applications unless the parties are notified of any change.
There is no change to the lodgement of new cases: They should be lodged in the Probate List or Equity General (Family Provision) List as appropriate.
Future directions hearings in both Probate List cases and family provision applications will be listed on Fridays before Justice Hallen. Matters so listed, that are likely to be of more than 15 minutes duration, will be removed from the Friday list, and will be listed on the following Monday before his Honour.
If the legal practitioners in a matter, or associated matters, jointly request his Honour, no later than 9:00 a.m. two working days before the Friday on which the matter is listed, to have the matter removed from the Friday list and placed into the Monday list the matter will be removed in advance of the Friday list.
If that request is not made in a timely manner, the matter, or associated matters, will remain in the Friday list but be adjourned to a Monday convenient to the Court.
BULLETIN - Court of Appeal additional requirements for the filing of Appeal Books and White Folders
31 March 2020
Until further notice, parties should, in addition to the current requirements for the filing of physical copies of Red, Orange, Blue and Black Books, and White Folders in the case of Summonses for leave to appeal, also provide an electronic copy of those books to the Court. The Registrar will accept USBs, CDs, and DVDs. Emails with links to documents may be accepted by prior arrangement with the Registrar.
The delivering of physical copies or USB electronic copies of appeal books or White Folders can be made to the foyer of the Registry by prior arrangement with the Registry. ADVICE UPDATED 05 FEBRUARY 2021 (see above)
Uplifting of books and folders for updating, and the uplifting of lower court files can also occur by prior arrangement with the Registry.
Enquiries should be made by email addressed to courtofappeal@justice.nsw.gov.au
BULLETIN - Guidelines for Equity and Common Law Duty List matters published
27 March 2020
ANNOUNCEMENT - NSW Supreme Court Judges to forego annual remuneration review
25 March 2020
NSW Supreme Court Judges have today resolved not to seek an annual remuneration review in light of present circumstances.
Chief Justice Tom Bathurst said his colleagues had agreed to forego any potential salary increase this year.
"Judges are in a privileged and relatively protected position compared to the great bulk of the community, many of whom are already feeling the devastating effects of what has occurred so far due to the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.
"Supreme Court Judges are unanimous that it would be inappropriate for us to seek a pay rise in such circumstances."
Judges' salaries in NSW are set by the Statutory and Other Offices Remuneration Tribunal (SOORT), which seeks submissions each year.
Chief Justice Bathurst said he would advise SOORT that the submission of Supreme Court Judges is for no pay increase in 2020.
BULLETIN - Protocol for the Commercial List, Technology & Construction
List and Commercial Arbitration List
25 March 2020
Henceforth and until further notice, the usual Friday Commercial List, Technology and Construction List and Commercial Arbitration List will not be conducted in open Court.
Matters not disposed of by consent will be dealt with as follows:
The time for consent directions to be sent to his Honour Justice Hammerschlag will be extended to 4.00pm on Thursday prior to the List Day. Where there is no consent the parties are to forward to his Honour by 12.00 noon on the Friday List Day a brief position paper, (not exceeding one page for directions and two pages for motions) identifying what is in dispute and their respective positions on it.
If a hearing date is requested a range of mutual hearing dates should be provided.
His Honour will then determine matters in dispute on the papers unless a hearing is necessary and appropriate. If a party considers a hearing to be necessary and appropriate, it should state this and give reasons why. If a hearing is to be held it is likely to be by audio link or video link. The parties will be notified and arrangements made.
Matters which are not the subject of consent provided to the Associate by 12.00 noon on Thursday will appear in the list, notwithstanding that consent orders may be made later.
Enquiries are to be directed to his Honour's Associate, Colleen Sutton, by email.
BULLETIN - Changes to Court of Appeal authorities procedure
24 March 2020
Please see the following notice published by Justice AS Bell, President of the Court of Appeal:
BULLETIN - Updates to procedures relating to Corporations and Real Property Lists
23 March 2020
Please note that recently published guidelines have been updated in relation to the following Court lists:
- The Corporations List
- The Real Property List
BULLETIN - Changes to Court Operations
23 March 2020
It is essential for the wellbeing of the community and the maintenance of the rule of law that the Court continues to operate to the extent possible in the current challenging environment.
The Court is responding to the developing COVID-19 pandemic by reviewing all operations to ensure all essential services are maintained and non-essential services continue for as long as practicable, consistent with health advice.
The Court is equipped to utilise online court, audio visual equipment and digital technology to allow matters to continue remotely.
The Court's paramount consideration remains the wellbeing of all court users. Everyone must adhere to health advice in relation to social distancing, self-isolation, hygiene and the management of symptoms.
No personal appearances
In line with the current health advice, on and from Tuesday, 24 March 2020 there shall be no personal appearances in any matters save in exceptional circumstances with the leave of the Chief Justice or head of jurisdiction. This also applies to unrepresented litigants.
The Court will contact parties in relation to future listings to advise of the video and teleconference facilities available for their specific matter. Listings may alter at short notice and practitioners should refer to the Court's website for updates and review the daily listing notices.
Electronic delivery of documents
The Court will require all Court documents to be provided by electronic means through
- Online Court;
- E-subpoena;
- Online registry
Only where facilities do not presently exist for documentation to be provided electronically will those documents will be received by email. Details regarding email contacts for documentation will be provided shortly via the Court's website.
Public Registry and Duty Registrar
The public registry will remain open on Monday, 23 March 2020 until 4:00pm. The public registry will be closed on and from Tuesday, 24 March 2020. Contact details for the Court Registry are on the Court's website.
Face-to-face duty registrar services will also be suspended. Telephone appointments will continue.
Current jury trials
Current jury trials will continue. Current trials already adhere to health advice in relation to social distancing. New jury trials are temporarily suspended.
Court annexed mediation
Face-to-face Court annexed mediations will be temporarily suspended from [Monday, 23 March 2020]. Further information relating to Court annexed mediations will follow shortly. Mediations can proceed by way of teleconference.
Open justice
The Court will be reviewing all operations with a view to maintaining open justice, consistent with the current constraints and health advice.
Health Advice
Further information can be found at:
Announcement re. the Probate and Family Provision Lists
20 March 2020
From 23 March 2020, the Probate List and the Family Provision List will be amalgamated into what will be called the Succession List. All Probate and family provision matters will be case managed by Justice P Hallen.
There will be no changes to the current Probate or family provision listing unless the parties are notified of any change.
It is likely that future directions hearings in both Probate and family provision matters will be listed on a Friday before the Succession List Judge. Matters so listed, that are likely to be of more than 15 minutes duration, will be removed from the Friday list, and will be listed on the following Monday before his Honour. If the legal practitioners in a matter, or associated matters, jointly request his Honour, no later than 9:00 a.m. two working days before the Friday on which the matter is listed, to have the matter removed from the Friday Succession List and place it in the Monday Succession List the matter will be removed in advance of the Friday List.
If that request is not made in a timely manner, the matter, or associated matters, will remain in, but be adjourned, from the Friday List to a Monday convenient to the Court.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ADVICE ABOVE HAS BEEN UPDATED ON 08 APRIL 2020
BULLETIN - Changes to arrangements for registrar lists
18 March 2020
Registrars' Lists will be conducted as much as possible either by the online court, where available, or by telephone link and, in the case of contentious matters, by videolink. The parties ARE NOT required to inform the court in advance whether they will be using video or teleconference facilities. All parties with an email address in JusticeLink will be contacted by email with information regarding connecting to the specific court for their listing via video and teleconference. General information regarding the conduct of video and teleconference lists is available here. All parties are strongly encouraged to use the Online Court, where available, telephone or video conference facilities for Registrars' lists and to not attend in person.
BULLETIN - Guidelines and Fact Sheet for participants in Supreme Court Lists
17 March 2020
The Court publishes the following Guidelines to assist participants in the following Court Lists:
- The Expedition, Adoption and Defamation Lists
- The Real Property List (revised 23.3.20)
- The Family Provision List
- The Corporations List (revised 23.3.20)
In addition, the Court has published a Fact Sheet to assist participants in the Virtual Courtroom environment:
ANNOUNCEMENT - Joint announcement of the Supreme Court of NSW and the District Court of NSW
15 March 2020
New Jury Trials to be temporarily suspended from Monday, 16 March 2020
The Chief Justice, the Hon TF Bathurst AC, and Chief Judge of the District Court, the Hon D Price AM, today announced that due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) new jury trials commencing across NSW from Monday, 16 March 2020, will be temporarily suspended whilst the empanelment process is reviewed and steps are taken to seek to limit the close social contact amongst jurors which is a feature of jury trials. Current trials, where a jury has already been selected and empanelled, will continue.
This decision has been made in response to the Australian Government's advice to limit large gatherings and close social contact over an extended period of time.
Jury service plays an important role in our justice system and the Courts will be assisted by members of the NSW Chief Medical Officer's team to review and amend the current empanelment process to follow current health guidelines.
Judge alone trials, bail applications and civil trials will not be affected. Steps have already been implemented to enable those matters to proceed taking into account the advice received concerning the virus.
The Court continues to monitor the health advice from the Australian and NSW Government's health departments in relation to the coronavirus (COVID-19). The health and safety of all court users remains of paramount importance whilst maintaining access to justice and essential court services.
Further information
The jury system in NSW is administered by the Jury Services Branch of the Office of the Sheriff of New South Wales.
Potential jurors with a summons to attend court should contact the juror information line on 1300 780 199 or visit www.juror.nsw.gov.au.
BULLETIN - Upcoming changes to sitting procedures to minimise the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19)
12 March 2020
The Court is carefully monitoring the Commonwealth and State Governments' announcements and health advice relating to coronavirus (COVID-19).
In an endeavour to contain its effects and keep the Court operational as much as possible, the Court will be implementing the following procedures from Monday, 23 March 2020. The primary aim is to minimise the need for parties to come to the Court in the near future.
Registrars' Lists will be conducted as much as possible either by the online court, where available, or by telephone link and, in the case of contentious matters, by videolink. The parties will be required not less than three (3) business days before their matter is listed before the Registrar to jointly notify the Registrar whether the matter can be dealt with by the online court, telephone, videolink or in person. They will then be given a block of time in which their matter will be heard. Cases in respect of which notification has not been given will be heard in person. Precise arrangements regarding telephone and video hearings will be provided.
A similar approach will be taken in Judges' Lists, subject to specific directions given by the judge administering the list.
In relation to appeals or first instance matters, consideration will be given to dealing with the matters by telephone or Audio Visual Link (AVL).
There will be no changes to the way the Criminal Lists, such as Bails and Arraignments, and current Supreme Court Jury trials are currently being heard.