Christchurch Court information following Saturday’s earthquake.
UPDATE 4 – 1pm Tuesday 7 September.

All jury trials scheduled in Christchurch this week have been postponed due to the unlikely availability of many jurors.

Ministry of Justice Southern Region Manager District Courts Murray Smith says although jury service is an important civic duty it is unreasonable to expect people to attend this week.

“Given the stress and disruption affecting many Christchurch and Canterbury people right now we think it’s practical to postpone jury trials for this week and plan to start up again next Monday.

“Everyone is working hard to keep things as normal as possible under the circumstances this week and we’ve managed to process new arrests, complete some sentencing, continue bail applications, and get protection orders issued,” Mr Smith says.

• People summoned for jury service this week are not required to attend court and have been discharged. The court is attempting to contact all those jurors affected and will also inform other court users.

• Those summoned to appear for the week commencing 13 September should expect to attend court but check the message on the Christchurch jury service phone number 03 962 4399 over the weekend for confirmation.

• List proceedings at Rangiora Court scheduled for Wednesday have been postponed due to new concerns about the safety of the building requiring an inspection by structural engineers. The court will try and contact all affected parties but anyone due to attend Rangiora on Wednesday should contact the court next week for new arrangements.

• All Disputes Tribunal cases have been postponed for Wednesday. Their progression will be reviewed on Thursday.

• Any Canterbury residents who have concerns about fines or reparations as a result of the earthquake should call 0800 4 FINES.

• Anyone with questions or concerns on court activity should contact the relevant number listed below.

• The Ministry will continue to monitor the situation in Christchurch and make decisions on court operations day by day.

• Further media updates will be issued as new information comes to hand.

Thank you for helping keep court users informed.

ENDS

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