COVID-19 and Criminal Justice Systems: Challenges and legacy

Criminal justice practitioners and scholars are invited to a 2-hour webinar, under the auspices of the International Society for the Reform of Criminal Law (ISRCL). The webinar will focus on the challenges presented by COVID-19 to criminal justice systems in Africa and Europe, as well as the legacy this might leave in the future.

This webinar is a unique opportunity to observe and learn, across a wide range of jurisdictions, involving the full spectrum of participants in criminal justice systems, from the police, through courts to corrections.

Presentations and presenters will include:

Kate Mulkerrins, Executive Director Legal of An Garda Siochana (Police Force), Ireland – “The 4 E’s – Policing Ireland in the Pandemic and the Legacy”

Andrew Laing, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), Scotland – “Technology changes in the justice system for COVID-19 – Scotland’s experience”

Justice Mary Rose Gearty, Judge of the High Court of Ireland – “Never let a Global Crisis go to waste – coping with COVID in Ireland’s Criminal Courts”

Jakkie Wessels, Regional Court President, Limpopo, South Africa – “The impact of COVID-19 on the criminal justice system in South Africa: finding solutions for the challenges”

Josh Ounsted & Dennis Mungo, Raoul Wallenberg Institute, Sweden – “COVID-19: Challenges and opportunities for correctional services in East Africa”

Prince Kunaka & Patricia Mavhembu, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services – “A reflection on COVID-19 and corrections”.