Jury trials restarted in Northern Ireland yesterday (19 August) for the first time since COVID-19 restrictions were introduced five months ago.

A trial got underway in Laganside Court in Belfast, with plans to open five more Crown Court venues across the North by the end of September.

Significant step

“Jury trials are one of the cornerstones of our justice system and it is a hugely significant step that we are now in a position to accommodate them again,” said Justice Minister Naomi Long (pictured).

A number of physical alterations are being made to courtrooms to enable jury trials to proceed safely in line with the public health guidance.

These new measures include a two-court model for Crown Court trials – with one courtroom being used for hearings and another used for jury deliberation.

There is also physical distancing in the courtroom between all court participants, including jurors, either through the two-metre rule or the use of screens. Physical distancing measures are also being implemented in all public waiting areas.

Facemasks

Court users entering court buildings in Northern Ireland must wear facemasks in all communal public areas like waiting areas and lobbies. A face covering may also be worn during proceedings, unless a judge directs an individual to remove it.

The Bar of Northern Ireland welcomed the news, with chair Sarah Ramsey describing jury trials as “essential to our criminal justice system and to the rule of law”.

Jury trials have already resumed in the Republic.