Covid-19 and Court Procedures: An Access to Justice Report

This report was commissioned by the Rule of Law Forum of the IBA to provide a handy overview to assist lawyers in understanding how courts in various countries adapted during Covid-19. The report is organised as a survey that covers how courts in each country covered generally managed filings/document intake, discovery, and hearings – including the use of social distancing, hygiene and virtual hearings – during the pandemic. This survey is not intended to be exhaustive or overly technical. Instead, it provides a starting point for future research. Its aim is to provide a brief snapshot in time to illustrate how courts in each country generally adapted. In addition to covering courts, information from certain countries is presented that cover several other justice-related topics that required increased attention during the pandemic, including domestic violence, and prison management.

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