A scary change in the attitude of the courts means trials in absentia are now more likely than ever, to go ahead.
Whilst historically courts have been extremely reluctant to try a defendant in their absence, save where the defendant obviously absconded, we are now seeing a more hard-nosed approach from the courts, specifically, in relation to adjourning cases due to medical unfitness. It appears the objective of the courts is shifting from fairness to efficiency.
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