Terror threat forces no juries extension

The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) Minister told the House of Commons that while the use of non-jury trials has reduced significantly in recent years, it was necessary to renew the powers in order to protect jurors from any potential risk posed by paramilitary groups.

He stated: “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.

“Therefore I am laying before Parliament an Order to extend the non-jury trial provisions for a further period of two years.

“I will, of course, keep the situation under review. The Government remain committed to a return to jury trial in all cases as soon as it is deemed appropriate.”

The introduction of non-jury trials under the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1973 followed Lord Diplock’s ‘Report of the Commission to consider legal procedures to deal with terrorist activities in Northern Ireland.’

The legislation was superseded by the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007, which also provides for trial on indictment without a jury.