Civil jury trials suspended, ensuring timely access to justice during COVID-19
By Province of British Columbia
Starting on Sept. 28, 2020, following consultation with the Supreme Court of B.C. and key stakeholders, the attorney general is amending the Rules of Civil Court to temporarily suspend all civil jury trials for a period of one year.
This action by the Province is intended to help courts remain safe and minimize the impact of delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Criminal jury trials resumed on Sept. 8, 2020.
Under this temporary suspension, civil jury trials will resume on Oct. 4, 2021, with any trial taking place before this date to be heard by a judge alone. In addition, neither plaintiffs nor defendants will be permitted to adjourn cases to a later date in order to have the matter heard by a jury, unless the court orders otherwise.
This change effectively extends the direction by the chief justice of the Supreme Court of B.C. to cancel civil jury trials up to and including January 1, 2021. Other provinces, including Alberta and Saskatchewan, have also temporarily suspended civil jury trials as a result of COVID-19.
The suspension of civil jury trials will help to minimize any delays arising from the impact of additional safety measures required in courts as a result of COVID-19, such as the need to find alternative locations or rearrange rooms to allow for physical distancing, installing plexiglass barriers and hand wash stations in the courthouse, and carrying out enhanced cleaning and regular health screenings.
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