Commentary on Sections Part 6 - Disclosure Section 152 – Role of special counsel
668.This section regulates the role and functions of special counsel and the interaction between special counsel and the accused and/or his representatives. Subsection (1) sets out the duty of special counsel which is to act in the best interests of the accused insofar as ensuring that the accused receives a fair trial.
669.Subsection (2) provides that special counsel is entitled to see the confidential information concerned but must not disclose any of that information to the accused or his representatives. Subsection (3) prohibits communication with the accused in “non notification” and restricted notification cases. In any other case communication is only possible with the permission of the court, subsection (4). Both the prosecutor and where appropriate the Secretary of State must have been given an opportunity to be heard on any request to communicate with the accused, subsection (5).