The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted all aspects of life, including the criminal justice system. The virus has caused court proceedings to be canceled or postponed, resulting in the quarantining of judges and lawyers. Many people in jail or prison have also been released early due to the pandemic.
In addition, the virus has made it difficult for people to access legal services. As a result, the pandemic will likely continue to impact the criminal justice system for some time. The details below take a closer look at how COVID-19 has impacted criminal proceedings.
Postponement and Cancellations
One of the most significant impacts of COVID-19 on criminal proceedings has been the postponement or cancellation of court hearings. Many courts have closed their doors to comply with social distancing guidelines. As a result, there has been a backlog of cases that need to be heard. This has had a knock-on effect on the criminal justice system as a whole, as it has caused delays in processing cases. In some instances, this has resulted in defendants being held in custody for longer than they would normally be.
Quarantining of Judges and Lawyers
Another impact of COVID-19 on criminal proceedings has been the quarantining of judges and lawyers. It is because there is a risk that they could contract the virus if they come into contact with infected individuals. As a result, many courts have had to operate with fewer staff. This has had a negative impact on the efficiency of the court system.
Impact on Jury Trials
COVID-19 has also had an impact on jury trials. The virus has made it difficult for potential jurors to attend court. In some instances, courts have had to cancel jury trials altogether. This has caused delays in the administration of justice.
Witness Intimidation
Witnesses admit to being intimidated by the thought of having to give evidence in court during the pandemic. This is because they are worried about contracting the virus. As a result, many witnesses choose not to give evidence. This has had a negative impact on the criminal justice system as it has made it more difficult to secure convictions.
COVID-19 has had a significant impact on criminal proceedings. This is because the virus has caused court hearings to be postponed or canceled, resulting in the quarantining of judges and lawyers. The impact of COVID-19 on the criminal justice system is likely to be felt for some time.
