It is vital that courts are kept open and that access to justice is maintained, but protecting the health of the community has challenged the usual order of business. This episode explores how the wheels of justice can continue to operate during the current global health crisis, particularly in the context of criminal trials. What are the core functions that the judiciary needs to deliver to deal with urgent issues despite the pandemic? What critical decisions and urgent matters must be addressed?

We talk to the Right Honourable Justice Bernard McCloskey of Northern Ireland about his view of these matters, including the limitations of videoconferencing to replace in-person trials during pandemic restrictions. Ilze Tralmaka of Fair Trials also provides an overview of her organization’s concerns surrounding access to justice during the pandemic, and our spotlight series looks at the bi-weekly Webinar Roundtable Discussion Series CEELI is presenting with the Central & Eastern European Judicial Exchange Network.

For further information, resources, and other works by the CEELI Institute including our series of Podcasts and Webinars please go to ceeliinstitute.org.​​

Hosts & Guests
Carolyn Elliott-Magwood Host
Freda Grealy Host
Bernard McCloskey Guest
Ilze Tralmaka Guest