Menu
05/04/2011
Two More Years Of NI 'No Jury' Trials
Northern Ireland will still be able to hold court trials without a jury for the immediate future.
Owen Paterson, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, said today that he is laying before Parliament an Order to extend the Non-Jury trial provisions for a further period of two years.
"The Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007, which provides for trial on indictment without a Jury is temporary and renewal and will expire at the end of the period of two years unless extended," he explained.
"Whilst the use of Non-Jury trials has reduced significantly in recent years, it is necessary to renew the powers in order to protect jurors from any potential risk posed by paramilitary groups.
"It is always the hope and intention to return to Jury trial in all cases in Northern Ireland.
"However, having considered the views of stakeholders and conducted a detailed analysis of the current threat, I believe it is necessary to extend the Non-Jury Trial system at this time for use in a very small number of cases to ensure justice is administered fairly," he said.
"I will of course keep the situation under review," he continued, noting that the Government remains committed to a return to Jury trial in all cases "as soon as it is deemed appropriate".
(BMcC/GK)
Owen Paterson, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, said today that he is laying before Parliament an Order to extend the Non-Jury trial provisions for a further period of two years.
"The Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007, which provides for trial on indictment without a Jury is temporary and renewal and will expire at the end of the period of two years unless extended," he explained.
"Whilst the use of Non-Jury trials has reduced significantly in recent years, it is necessary to renew the powers in order to protect jurors from any potential risk posed by paramilitary groups.
"It is always the hope and intention to return to Jury trial in all cases in Northern Ireland.
"However, having considered the views of stakeholders and conducted a detailed analysis of the current threat, I believe it is necessary to extend the Non-Jury Trial system at this time for use in a very small number of cases to ensure justice is administered fairly," he said.
"I will of course keep the situation under review," he continued, noting that the Government remains committed to a return to Jury trial in all cases "as soon as it is deemed appropriate".
(BMcC/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 October 2010
Double Jeopardy Reforms Commence
A Bill to reform the centuries-old law which prevents a person being tried twice for the same offence in Scotland has been introduced. The 'double jeopardy' principle dates back over 800 years, but questions have been raised in recent years about whether the law now needs to be updated for the 21st Century.
Double Jeopardy Reforms Commence
A Bill to reform the centuries-old law which prevents a person being tried twice for the same offence in Scotland has been introduced. The 'double jeopardy' principle dates back over 800 years, but questions have been raised in recent years about whether the law now needs to be updated for the 21st Century.
03 October 2013
Jury In Hamzah Khan Trial Considers Verdict
The jury in the trial of a mother accused of starving her four-year-old son to death is considering its verdict. 43-year-old Amanda Hutton is charged with manslaughter by gross negligence, a charge which she has denied.
Jury In Hamzah Khan Trial Considers Verdict
The jury in the trial of a mother accused of starving her four-year-old son to death is considering its verdict. 43-year-old Amanda Hutton is charged with manslaughter by gross negligence, a charge which she has denied.
07 February 2012
Jury Out On Redknapp Trial
The jury in the Harry Redknapp tax evasion trial has been let out to consider their verdicts. The charges relate to Spurs boss Harry Redknapp and Milan Mandaric's time at Portsmouth Football Club when is claimed they were cheating public revenue.
Jury Out On Redknapp Trial
The jury in the Harry Redknapp tax evasion trial has been let out to consider their verdicts. The charges relate to Spurs boss Harry Redknapp and Milan Mandaric's time at Portsmouth Football Club when is claimed they were cheating public revenue.
15 November 2011
Jury Sworn In For Stephen Lawrence Murder Trial
The jury of eight men and four women attending the Stephen Lawerence murder trail have been sworn in. Two men stand accused of murdering the black teenager Stephen Lawrence 18 years ago, and face a trail at the Old Bailey. The jury will hear the case against Gary Dobson, 36, and David Norris, 35, both of south London. Both deny the charges.
Jury Sworn In For Stephen Lawrence Murder Trial
The jury of eight men and four women attending the Stephen Lawerence murder trail have been sworn in. Two men stand accused of murdering the black teenager Stephen Lawrence 18 years ago, and face a trail at the Old Bailey. The jury will hear the case against Gary Dobson, 36, and David Norris, 35, both of south London. Both deny the charges.
18 June 2009
Trial Without Jury Gets The Green Light
The Court of Appeal has given a historic ruling today which will allow a criminal trial to be heard without a jury for the first time in England and Wales. The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge, along with two other judges, gave the green light because of a "very significant" danger of jury tampering.
Trial Without Jury Gets The Green Light
The Court of Appeal has given a historic ruling today which will allow a criminal trial to be heard without a jury for the first time in England and Wales. The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge, along with two other judges, gave the green light because of a "very significant" danger of jury tampering.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Another cloudy and mild night with the odd spot of light drizzle. More widespread outbreaks of rain will spread southeast into western parts of Tyrone, Fermanagh and Derry late in the night. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
