05/04/2011
No Jury Trials 'To Remain'
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)
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03 March 2010
NI's Non-Jury Trials To Remain
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Serious criminal cases heard before a judge - sitting without a jury - are to remain as part of the judicial system. Non-jury trials in Northern Ireland are being used less frequently but are still an essential option to ensure fair trials, Criminal Justice Minister Paul Goggins has said.
11 August 2006
Proposals to end 'non-jury' trials
The government has today launched a consultation on proposals to replace Diplock Courts in Northern Ireland. The consultation period is expected to last for 8 weeks, closing on October 5 2006.
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22 June 2012
Brothers Win Trial Appeal Over Missing Millions
Two brothers whose building empire collapsed in the financial crash have won the right to a full trial appeal over millions of pounds Ulster Bank is trying to claim from them. Michael and John Taggart borrowed the sums for Taggart Holdings Ltd in Northern Ireland and Taggart Homes Ireland Ltd in the Republic.
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Two brothers whose building empire collapsed in the financial crash have won the right to a full trial appeal over millions of pounds Ulster Bank is trying to claim from them. Michael and John Taggart borrowed the sums for Taggart Holdings Ltd in Northern Ireland and Taggart Homes Ireland Ltd in the Republic.
17 August 2010
Dissident Suspect Refused Bail
A Dundalk man arrested on suspicion of dissident republican activity has been refused bail in a special sitting of a non-jury Dublin court. Barry O'Brien, 38, of Stonetown, was one of five men arrested earlier this month in Dundalk who are charged with membership of an illegal organisation and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Dissident Suspect Refused Bail
A Dundalk man arrested on suspicion of dissident republican activity has been refused bail in a special sitting of a non-jury Dublin court. Barry O'Brien, 38, of Stonetown, was one of five men arrested earlier this month in Dundalk who are charged with membership of an illegal organisation and unlawful possession of a firearm.
21 June 2006
Terror suspect gets jury trial
An international terror suspect, who was arrested in west Belfast two and a half years ago, has today won the right to a trial before a jury.
Terror suspect gets jury trial
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.