Navigating Procedural Rights in the Special Criminal Court

Navigating Procedural Rights in the Special Criminal Court

Since being instituted as an emergency response to the Troubles in 1972, the Special Criminal Court has gradually expanded over the decades despite calls from human rights bodies for its abolition. The Special Criminal Court, which now largely operates to hear trials relating to organised crime, functions without a jury and allows for the uncorroborated opinions of a Chief Superintendent of An Garda Síochána to be treated as fact in cases before it. This event will explore the challenges and complexities surrounding procedural safeguards, such as the right to a fair trial, legal representation, and judicial accountability, within the framework of Ireland's Special Criminal Court.

We are delighted to welcome Niamh McCormack, Criminal Justice Policy Officer at the Irish Centre for Civil Liberties, as our guest speaker. Niamh will provide an in-depth examination of how procedural justice is navigated in this exceptional judicial setting, offering valuable insights into the legal and constitutional dimensions of the Special Criminal Court. She will discuss the tension between ensuring national security and protecting fundamental rights, providing a nuanced understanding of this unique legal framework under Irish law.

Join us for this engaging and thought-provoking discussion on the critical issues surrounding procedural rights in Ireland's Special Criminal Court.

Host or Publisher ELSA Ireland & ICCL