Explanatory note

This Order brings into operation on 13th November 2006 Article 31 of the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2003. Under Article 31 a witness (other than the accused) who is outside the United Kingdom may, with the court’s permission, give evidence in certain criminal proceedings in Northern Ireland through a live audio-visual link. The provisions of Article 31 have been amended by Article 24 of the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/1965 (N.I. 15)).