Our regional group of the International Association of Judges is called The Asian, North American, and Oceanian Group of the International Association of Judges. We meet annually, and we were due to gather in Washington DC next week. Apart from the core regional and international work of our association, the conference is themed. This year we were to consider law and emerging trends in science and technology, however, the pandemic postponed that very relevant topic.
COVID-19 has given us much to consider at our replacement Zoom meeting next Monday, 18 May 2020. Guided by a simple 12-question format, all countries are busily preparing answers and reports on national approaches to the obvious COVID-19 justice challenges. These events happened so quickly, and are still unfolding, the report and answers we provide will, due to necessity, be brief and only preliminary. Justices Forrie Miller and Ellen France have kindly offered their assistance in this large tasking. Judges Noel Cocurullo, Jenny Binns and Allan Goodwin are also working on responses.
The reports are to be filed in the first week of June, and a protocol developed for their publication after the meeting on 18 May 2020. It will be fascinating to listen to the experiences of judges from such a diverse mix of countries. This includes Australia, Bermuda, Canada, East Timor, Georgia, Iraq, Japan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Mexico, Mongolia, Puerto Rico, Republic of China (Taiwan), the United Kingdom, United States of America, and Yemen.
JANZ will report that while in these difficult times the complex business of our courts was curtailed, nonetheless the judiciary ensured proceedings affecting the liberty or safety of individuals was prioritised. We will report on the excellent leadership from our Chief Justice and heads of bench. We will recall by working cooperatively with the profession and Ministry of Justice, the Chief Justice could assure the public that the rule of law, fair trial rights, and civil liberties were protected. We will accentuate the potential our COVID-19 experience has given to improve what we do and so better serve our communities as we reset to a new normal Finally, we will comment on the remarkable care judges took of each other and our whānau as we worked hard and safely in our essential service.