The Criminal Justice (1996 Order) (Commencement No. 1) Order (Northern Ireland) 1997

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order.)

This Order brings into operation on 25th July 1997 the following provisions of the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 1996:—

Articles 1 and 2 which introduce the Order;

Article 33 which provides for reduction in sentences for guilty pleas;

Article 35 which amends Article 47 of the Magistrates' Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 (remands);

Article 44 which amends section 1(f) of the Criminal Evidence Act (Northern Ireland) 1923 (imputations on character);

Articles 45 and 46 which abolish corroboration requirements and amend Article 13(2) of the Criminal Justice (Evidence, Etc.) (Northern Ireland) Order 1988 and the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885;

Article 47 which creates two new offences in relation to the intimidation or harming of witnesses, jurors or other persons assisting in criminal investigations, and reprisals against such persons;

Articles 53 and 54 which make provision in relation to the manufacture and sale of certain knives and other dangerous weapons;

Article 55 which makes arrestable without warrant the offence of having certain weapons on school premises;

Article 56 which makes provision for the Secretary of State to publish information for financial and other purposes.

The Order also brings into operation on that date all relevant transitional provisions, savings and repeals.