Court backlog could take a year to clear

The build-up is because the Magistrates Court heavily scaled back operations in mid-March because of coronavirus as jury trials ceased in the Supreme and District Courts.

The Magistrates Courts are due to resume, while a jury trial has been set down for the District Court on June 22, according to correspondence sent to Queensland's legal fraternity.

Several hundred cases are expected to be scheduled for both the Brisbane and Southport Magistrates Court when they return in the coming weeks.

Former Queensland Law Society president Bill Potts says the court system is simply a victim of circumstance and has a mountain to climb to clear the backlog.

He says the Magistrates Court usually aims "for a 100 per cent clear-up rate within six months" but that can be expected to double.

"A significant delay has built up and we are going to see these matters ripple through the Magistrates for six to 12 months," he said.

"From having six months to finalise a case it's going to take six months to get them to court."

Only one trial is set down in the District Court for the week starting June 22, but two will be scheduled the following week.

Courts have been modified to allow jurors to social distance while a neighbouring courtroom will substitute as the jury room.

Changes will also be implemented in the way jurors are empanelled and the reasons a potential juror can be excused from service is expected to be broadened.

The Chief Magistrate's office says they will adapt to social distancing requirements from June 15 and listings will be at intervals throughout the day to lessen the number of people physically present in the building.

"Extra security will be engaged to assist with the orderly operation of the courts and in monitoring numbers for safety purposes," a representative of the Chief Magistrate's Office told AAP.

"The magistrates are well conditioned to work through busy lists and will continue to do so."

Australian Associated Press