As the world continues to grapple with the Covid-19 pandemic, it's important to remember that there have been other deadly diseases that have impacted our global community in the past. One such disease is Ebola, which ravaged parts of West Africa between 2014 and 2016. Although Ebola and Covid are different diseases with distinct characteristics, there are similarities in how they affect the court system, particularly when it comes to legal proceedings and access to justice.

Ebola is a viral disease that is transmitted through contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals. It has a high fatality rate, with some strains of the virus causing death in up to 90% of cases. Covid, on the other hand, is caused by a novel coronavirus that primarily spreads through respiratory droplets. While Covid has a lower fatality rate than Ebola, it has still caused immense devastation around the world, infecting millions and killing hundreds of thousands.

One of the most significant similarities between Ebola and Covid is how they impact the court system. Both diseases can lead to postponements and delays in legal proceedings, as judges, lawyers, and court staff become infected or are forced to self-isolate. This can cause significant backlogs in court cases, leading to longer wait times for those seeking justice.

Additionally, both diseases can lead to difficulties in accessing the court system. In the case of Ebola, the disease was particularly devastating for Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, where legal systems were already weak and under-resourced. Many courts were forced to close, and those that remained open often struggled to provide basic services, such as access to legal aid and representation. This left many individuals without recourse to justice, as they were unable to pursue legal action or defend themselves in court.

Similarly, Covid has also led to significant challenges in accessing the court system, particularly for vulnerable populations. As court proceedings have shifted to virtual platforms, individuals without access to reliable internet or technology may be unable to participate in legal proceedings. This can disproportionately affect low-income individuals and those from marginalized communities, who may already face barriers to accessing justice.

Another similarity between Ebola and Covid is the impact they have on the legal profession. During the Ebola outbreak, many lawyers and judges became infected with the disease, and some even lost their lives. This had a significant impact on the legal profession, as it left many courts without experienced legal professionals to handle cases. Similarly, Covid has led to significant disruptions in the legal profession, with many lawyers and judges forced to work remotely or take time off due to illness or quarantine.

Despite these similarities, there are also important differences between Ebola and Covid and their impact on the court system. One key difference is the speed at which the diseases spread. Ebola is a highly contagious disease, but it spreads more slowly than Covid. This means that the impact on the court system may be more localized, with specific regions or jurisdictions being affected more severely than others. Covid, on the other hand, has spread rapidly around the world, leading to widespread disruptions in legal systems globally.

Another difference is the severity of the disease. While both Ebola and Covid can be deadly, Ebola has a much higher fatality rate, particularly in some strains of the virus. This means that the impact on the court system may be more severe during an Ebola outbreak, as there may be a higher number of deaths and illnesses among legal professionals.

In conclusion, while Ebola and Covid are different diseases with distinct characteristics, they have similarities in how they impact the court system. Both diseases can lead to delays and disruptions in legal proceedings, as well as difficulties in accessing the court system. However, there are also important differences between the two diseases, such as the speed at which they spread and the severity of the illness. As we continue to grapple with the Covid-19 pandemic, it's important to remember the lessons learned from past disease outbreaks, such as Ebola, and work to mitigate the impact on the court system and access to justice.

Other articles from A2L Consulting focused on likability, trust and psychology:

• Like It or Not: Likeability Counts for Credibility in the Courtroom
• 5 Things Every Jury Needs From You
• 10 Things Every Mock Jury Ever Has Said
• 10 Signs the Pressure is Getting to You and What to Do About It
• 7 Videos About Body Language Our Litigation Consultants Recommend
• Storytelling at Trial - Will Your Story Be Used?
• Are Jurors on Your “Team”? Using Group Membership to Influence