Proceeding contribution from Lord Smith of Clifton (Liberal Democrat) 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

These amendments would extend even further the circumstances under which the DPP could issue a certificate for a non-jury trial and it is tempting to support them for that reason. While we recognise that there is a strong connection between paramilitary organisations and organised crime in Northern Ireland, we believe that the provisions of Section 44 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003, which has come into force in Northern Ireland, are sufficient to deal with the risk of jury tampering in cases involving organised crime. Those provisions therefore make these amendments redundant and we would not support them if they were pressed at Report.

Secondary information

Type: Proceeding contribution
Reference: 690 c119GC
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

Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Bill

Secondary information

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