The Supreme Court of Victoria has allocated a record number of sitting days across regional Victoria this year, with 62 days available to hear matters in Ballarat.
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This is an increase on last year when the court sat in Ballarat for 26 days, including for nine days of criminal court matters and 17 for common law matters.
The 2020 Supreme Court calendar allows for up to 670 sitting days in regional courts which is the highest number of regional dates in the court's history.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Anne Ferguson said circuit sittings began in 1852 when the court was established.
"Today, we have more technology that can bridge distance, but we should never forget that the court is a court for all Victorians and it is important we take the court to the people in regional Victoria," Justice Ferguson said.
"The more we can take the court to locations that are closer to the individuals, companies and communities involved, the more we can demystify the work and role of the court and develop, listen and learn ourselves.
"The court also greatly values the work of regional lawyers, whose high calibre and dedication to their local communities is crucial to making these circuits a reality."
The court calendar includes periods in Ballarat in April, May, October and November for the criminal division, in July and August for the common law division and May for the court of appeal.
Allocating the time ensures facilities and judicial staff are available to sit on circuit, though if relevant Ballarat matters are not ready to proceed, the dates will be vacated.
In 2019, 601 days were allocated across regional courts, with 115 days taken up by the criminal division, 50 by common law and three days by the court of appeal.
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