Now online, free to view: GCN Webinar – The right to a fair trial in the age of the Coronavirus

24 April 2020

On 16 March 2020 Justice Minister Chris Philip announced that Courts would continue to operate normally despite the pandemic. On 17 March Lord Chief Justice Burnett echoed much of the legal profession when he said that it was not realistic to suppose that it will be business as usual in any jurisdiction. The subsequent days and weeks have proved him right.

The announcement ending jury trials on 23 March 2020 ushered in a brave new world of hearings via Skype and associated legal powers under the Coronavirus Act 2020.

But where does all this leave defendants and their right to a fair trial? Can their rights really be upheld via video link? Where are we heading and what are the pitfalls? Are there any positive practices we can salvage from this time of crisis?

Please enjoy our webinar discussion of these fundamental questions and the future of the right to a fair trial in these troubled times, presented by our barristers Clare Ashcroft and Richard Brigden, and pupil barristers Christian Weaver and Mira Hammad.

News

News

Mira Hammad and Rosalind Burgin represent protesters charged with criminal damage for demonstration at Israeli-linked factory

Garden Court North’s Mira Hammad and Rosalind Burgin represent co-defendants during the trial at Birmingham Crown Court.

News

Garden Court North shortlisted for Bar Awards 2026

Garden Court North is pleased to announce that we have been shortlisted for Northern Set of the Year in the Legal 500's Bar Awards 2026.

News

Christian Weaver wins Pegasus Scholarship by The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple

Garden Court North’s Christian Weaver has been awarded a Pegasus Scholarship by The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple.

News

Mira Hammad and Rosalind Burgin’s protest clients avoid custodial sentence as judge refuses restraining order

Garden Court North’s Mira Hammad and Rosalind Burgin represented two co-defendants charged following a protest at an Israeli-owned factory.