COVID-19: Vatican Tribunal
hearings suspended
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| Vatican Tribunal |
A rescript, signed by the Cardinal Secretary of State,
suspends hearings by the Vatican Tribunal and extends the statute of
limitations until further notice.
By Vatican News
Pope Francis has decided to suspend judicial activity in
Vatican City State as a precautionary measure to protect people involved. The
Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, signed a rescript
explaining that the measure was taken: "In order to counter the COVID-19
epidemiological emergency, and to contain negative effects surrounding judicial
activity".
The provision establishes that from tomorrow (20 March),
with some exceptions, "the trial hearings in progress at all judicial
offices will be postponed until after 3 April 2020". Also suspended are
all deadlines for completing any step in the procedural process. Any dates that
had been set to initiate any judicial process which land during the period of
this suspension will be postponed until after the suspension period is over,
the Rescript states. All “statutes of limitations” shall also be suspended for
all intents and purposes, subject to certain exceptions.
The exceptions provided for are as follows: the suspension
order does not apply to "civil proceedings where it can reasonably be
foreseen that postponement is impracticable, and where the delay in dealing
with the case could cause serious harm to the parties"; to "criminal
proceedings for which the trial of first instance is not yet in progress";
to "criminal proceedings against persons who are detained or who would
otherwise be burdened by measures restricting their personal freedom"; to
"criminal proceedings in which the urgent need has been deduced to obtain
evidence".
The President of the Tribunal may also limit access to
judicial offices. He may also “guarantee access to persons who must carry out
urgent activities". At his discretion, the President may also limit
opening hours of judicial offices; regulate "access to judicial offices
when appointments have been made, including by telephone or digital means of
communication, ensuring that the convocation of users is scheduled for fixed
hours"; provide that “closed door" hearings may take place as long as
the reason they are being held falls under the exceptions; and establish a work
schedule for administrative and clerical staff, even should this mean
derogating from “ordinary provisions".
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