Commentary on Sections Part 1, Chapter 3 – Miscellaneous Provision Section 22: No right to claim trial by jury
This section amends Article 29(1) of the Magistrates’ Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981, the effect of which is to prohibit those accused of the domestic abuse offence before a magistrates’ court from the right to elect for trial by jury at Crown Court.  This currently covers offences such as intimidation, making or possessing petrol bombs, possession of offensive weapon with intent to commit an offence as well as unnecessary suffering and fighting in relation to the welfare of animals.