Explanatory note

This Order brings section 12 of the Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (c.24) into operation on 1st April 2015 in so far as it relates to all Crown Court proceedings and committal proceedings in the magistrates’ court. This will, therefore, cover all offences, wherever committed, which are indictable only, or which are triable either summarily or on indictment and summary offences for which the accused can claim trial by a jury.

Section 12 relates to the examination of the accused through an intermediary and this provision has already been commenced in so far as it relates to proceedings in the Crown Court and committal proceedings in the magistrates’ court in relation to an offence which is triable only on indictment.