How is the Commonwealth addressing worsening backlogs in the criminal justice system created by COVID-19?
The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures put in place to curb the spread of the virus, such as restriction of movement, lockdowns, court closures, and social distancing, have had a severe impact on justice systems across the Commonwealth. In the majority of Commonwealth jurisdictions, the pandemic has either created backlogs or increased existing backlogs.
During this webinar series held in April 2021, panellists addressed the impact of backlogs in the criminal justice system on access to justice and the rights of victims, defendants, and prisoners. They also discussed mitigation measures, such as the use of technology in adjudication, trials by judge alone instead of juries.
Watch the webinar recordings
27 April 2021: The experience of Africa and the Americas
Speakers
- Gillian Blackell, Senior Counsel - Team Lead, Criminal Law Policy Section, Ministry of Justice of Canada
- Mary M. Wairagu, Chief State Counsel & Ag. CEO Victim Protection Board, Office of the Attorney General & Department of Justice, Kenya
- Yetunde Aderonke Imana, Principal State Counsel, Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Nigeria
28 April 2021: The experience of Europe and Asia
Speakers
- Dr Angele Vella, Office of the Attorney-General, Malta
- Judge Victor Yeo, Principal District Judge, Criminal Courts, Singapore
- Daniel Flury, Deputy Director, Courts and Tribunal Recovery, Ministry of Justice, United Kingdom
29 April 2021: The experience of the Caribbean and the Pacific
Speakers
- Magali Marin Young, Attorney General of Belize
- Justice Gillian Lucky, Judge, Supreme Court of Trinidad and Tobago
- The Hon Linda Folaumoetu’i, Attorney-General of Tonga
BBC Interview
The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, was interviewed on BBC Newsday on 27 May about the impact of COVID-19 on the criminal justice system across the Commonwealth. She stated: “Justice delayed is justice denied."
Listen to the full interview below and learn more here.
