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Proceeding contribution from Lord Goldsmith (Labour) in the House of Lords on Monday, 19 March 2007. It occurred during Debate on bill and Committee proceeding on Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Bill.


Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Bill

I was explaining why it would be asking too much to expect the Director of Public Prosecutions to be satisfied that there was an impairment to justice given the need to have evidence—of which there is very little—to support such a judgment. He would have to make a judgment in the round, considering a number of different factors that together indicated a risk that the administration of justice might be impaired. It would inevitably be difficult to find information that would meet the higher test proposed by some of these amendments. I shall refer to the specific points put before I address the final amendment in the group. I was asked by the noble and learned Lord, Lord Mayhew of Twysden, whether I could give other examples of the word ““suspects”” and, if I recollect rightly, the concept of risk, being used in statute. I cannot do that now, even having had the interval of the Division—what I think is called in another place a short adjournment. However, I shall ensure that we look into that and try to write to the noble and learned Lord about it before Report.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
690 c116GC 
Session
2006-07
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords Grand Committee
Subjects
Accountability Appeals Crime Administration of justice Attorney General Juries Evidence Intelligence services Human rights Intimidation National security Northern Ireland Police Powers Relatives Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission Offences against the administration of justice Terrorism Trials Attorney General for Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland Northern Ireland Department of the Director of Public Prosecutions Scheduled offences Challenge to jury
Legislation
Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Bill 2006-07
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk