Heatwave: Courts finally get permission to close after three days of record-breaking temperatures in England and Wales. Senior judges have authorized closures amid red alerts from the Met Office, which reported 39.6°C in some areas. The move comes as courts grapple with extreme heat, broken air conditioning, and limited water access.
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Lord Justice Green, senior presiding judge, wrote to leadership judges about the “exceptionally hot weather” and advised them to consider closing courts if conditions worsen. He emphasized that safety for court users, staff, and judges must take priority. “HMCTS has contingency plans in place,” he said, but acknowledged the challenge of balancing court operations with health risks. The letter, seen by the Gazette, outlined specific concerns about the physical environment in court buildings, including the potential for heat-related illnesses among staff and the inability of some facilities to maintain safe working temperatures. Green highlighted that the judiciary’s primary duty is to protect individuals within the court system, even if this means temporarily halting proceedings.
Green noted that other public services, including schools and transport providers, had already closed early this week. Courts, however, faced unique pressures. “We want to avoid negative consequences for witnesses or jurors,” Green said, trusting leadership to make “pragmatic decisions.” The backlog of cases adds complexity to the situation, as prolonged closures could exacerbate existing delays, potentially affecting the rights of individuals awaiting trial or resolution of legal matters. Green stressed the need for a careful balance, ensuring that the administration of justice is not compromised while safeguarding the health of all involved.
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An HMCTS spokesperson said courts are working to operate safely during extreme weather. “Some hearings may move to video if appropriate,” they added, though specifics on how this will be implemented remain unclear.
Courts have faced similar challenges in past heatwaves, but this year’s conditions are described as the most severe. Judges and staff have raised concerns about long-term solutions, such as improved ventilation and infrastructure. For now, the focus remains on immediate safety, with closures seen as a temporary measure. The urgency of the situation has prompted some within the judiciary to call for a reevaluation of court building standards, arguing that outdated facilities are ill-equipped to handle the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This debate highlights a growing recognition of the need for systemic investment in judicial infrastructure to ensure resilience against climate-related disruptions.
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The decision highlights tensions between maintaining judicial duties and protecting personnel. While some praise the flexibility of allowing closures, others argue systemic issues—like outdated facilities—require long-term fixes. As the heatwave continues, the courts’ ability to adapt will be closely watched. The current crisis has also drawn attention to the broader implications of climate change on public institutions, with many experts warning that without significant investment in infrastructure, similar challenges will become more frequent and severe in the coming years. This has sparked discussions about the role of government and judicial bodies in proactively addressing climate risks, ensuring that essential services like the courts remain functional and equitable for all users.
