This year's Supreme Court calendar allows for up to 670 sitting days in regional courts, the highest number of regional dates in the court's history.
The court calendar includes sittings in Shepparton in May, June, November and December for the Criminal Division, in August and September for the Common Law Division and in November for the Court of Appeal.
Supreme Court chief judge Anne Ferguson said circuit sittings dated back to 1852 when the Supreme Court was first established.
“We have a long history of making justice accessible to regional Victorians,” she said.
“Today, we have more technology that can bridge distance, but we should never forget that the court is a court for all Victorians and it is important we take the court to the people in regional Victoria.”
Ms Ferguson said allocating time to regional courts ensured facilities and judicial staff were available to sit on circuit.
However, she said if local matters were not ready to proceed the dates would be vacated.
Last year the Supreme Court sat for 33 days in Shepparton, including 32 days for criminal matters and one day for common law matters.
“The more we can take the court to locations that are closer to the individuals, companies and communities involved, the more we can demystify the work and role of the court and develop, listen and learn ourselves,” Ms Ferguson said.
“The court also greatly values the work of regional lawyers, whose high calibre and dedication to their local communities is crucial to making these circuits a reality.”
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