The Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1999

Interpretation etc. of Part II

21.—(1) In this Part—

“eligible witness” means a witness eligible for assistance by virtue of Article 4 or 5;

“live link” has the meaning given by Article 12(6);

“quality”, in relation to the evidence of a witness, shall be construed in accordance with Article 4(5);

“special measures direction” means (in accordance with Article 7(5)) a direction under Article 7.

(2) In this Part references to the special measures available in relation to a witness shall be construed in accordance with Article 6.

(3) In this Part references to a person being able to see or hear, or be seen or heard by, another person are to be read as not applying to the extent that either of them is unable to see or hear by reason of any impairment of eyesight or hearing.

(4) In the case of any proceedings in which there is more than one accused—

(a) any reference to the accused in Articles 11 to 16 may be taken by a court, in connection with the giving of a special measures direction, as a reference to all or any of the accused, as the court may determine, and

(b) any such direction may be given on the basis of any such determination.