Explanatory note

This Order brings section 12 of the Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (c.24) into operation on 3rd April 2017, in so far as it relates to magistrates’ court proceedings. Section 12 relates to the examination of the accused through an intermediary. This provision has already been commenced in so far as it relates to all Crown Court proceedings and committal proceedings in the magistrates’ court, in relation to an offence which is triable on indictment; is triable either summarily or on indictment; or is triable summarily and the accused can claim trial by jury. This Order will ensure that the provisions apply to all offences, wherever committed, including those that are only triable summarily.