Nelson's courthouse could be out of action for up to a year, after suddenly closing last week

Seismic assessments show the connection between the building and its 18-year-old extension only meets 15-percent of the New Building Standard strengths.

Open Justice Reporter, Tracy Neal says that's significant and causing total chaos for Nelson lawyers, with nobody sure how things would play out last week.

Today's court list is operating from Blenheim's tiny court.