Commentary on Sections Section 3: Miscellaneous amendments
19.Section 3(1) amends the arrangements for “jury check guidelines” contained in Article 26C(5) of the Juries (Northern Ireland) Order 1996. Currently the Attorney General for Northern Ireland may issue guidelines setting out the circumstances in which juror information may be disclosed for the purpose of carrying out additional checks on prospective jurors. Section 3(1) provides that, following the devolution of justice, these guidelines will be issued by the Advocate General for Northern Ireland in relation to cases in which national security or terrorism is involved. In relation to other cases the guidelines will be issued by the Attorney General for Northern Ireland. Section 3(2) amends the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 to make the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland (DPPNI) a corporation sole. This will facilitate the holding of property, rights and liabilities by the DPPNI in his own right.