The Chief Justice on the hearing of cases in the Supreme Court during the coronavirus outbreak

On 12 March 2020, I decided to suspend all oral hearings in the Supreme Court from Friday 13 March until Thursday 26 March, due to the coronavirus outbreak and the authorities' measures to limit the spread of the virus.

Today, I have decided to extend this period to and including Monday 13 April 2020.

Counsel in cases concerned will be contacted.

This decision will not affect the written hearings in the Supreme Court's Appeals Selection Committee. Preparations in cases that have proceeded to the Supreme Court will also continue as normal for the time being.

For hearings of civil cases in the Supreme Court, we are working to implement systems for remote meetings and written submissions as far as applicable legislation permits, and counsel will be contacted.

The Ministry of Justice and Public Security has issued a public inquiry regarding the possibility for the Supreme Court to start using remote meetings and written submissions also in criminal cases. If the provisions are adopted, the Supreme Court will implement these procedures as soon as possible.

The Supreme Court's measures are taken to reduce the risk of contamination and to ensure that the Supreme Court may retain its function as the country's highest court and one of the three state powers.