R v Johnson [2020] NSWDC 153

R v Johnson [2020] NSWDC 153

It is in the interests of justice for the trial to proceed by judge alone, given the accused's informed consent, legislative intent for courts to continue functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic, potential prejudice from delay, and no compelling reason for community involvement to outweigh these factors.

Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
30 April 2020
Procedural Posture
Criminal / Pre Trial Ruling
Outcome
application granted
Legal Topics
['trial by Judge Alone' 'covid 19 Emergency Legislation' 'interests of Justice']

Case Brief

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Procedural Posture

Criminal / Pre Trial Ruling

  1. 1 ["Should the trial proceed by judge alone pursuant to s365 of the Criminal Procedure Act, given the accused's consent and the Crown's opposition, in the context of COVID-19 delays?"]

Ratio Decidendi

It is in the interests of justice for the trial to proceed by judge alone, given the accused's informed consent, legislative intent for courts to continue functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic, potential prejudice from delay, and no compelling reason for community involvement to outweigh these factors.

Court Disposition

application granted

Orders

  • ['Trial to proceed by judge alone in accordance with s365 of the Criminal Procedure Act' 'Trial date confirmed for 9 June 2020']