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AAP
AAP
National
Karen Sweeney

Victorian courts scrap distancing rules

Supreme Court Chief Justice Anne Ferguson has announced another step toward normal in courts. (AAP)

Victorian courts will start to look a bit more normal with jurors heading back to the jury box.

Social distancing requirements have been scrapped with the lifting of coronavirus density rules in courtrooms.

While trials took a back seat during the pandemic, the return to normal included relocating juries to the bar table and public gallery, while lawyers presented their arguments from the jury box.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Anne Ferguson announced another step toward normal on Thursday, confirming while the 1.5 metre distancing requirement would be removed in courts the practice would still be encouraged around the precinct.

Record keeping and cleaning requirements will also remain in place, along with practices to ensure no one with COVID-19 symptoms enters court buildings.

Chief Justice Ferguson said returning to in-person hearings without physical distancing constraints would restore court capacity.

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