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The Daily PollPoll: Should the Special Criminal Court be abolished?
The court has been criticised by the United Nation’s Commission on Human Rights – but its purpose is to ensure juries are not intimidated.
THE SPECIAL CRIMINAL Court, where John Dundon was convicted of the 2008 killing of rugby player Shane Geoghegan yesterday, has faced some criticism in the past due to its structure – it has a three-judge panel and no jury.
The UN Human Rights Committee has recommended it be abolished, while the Irish Human Rights Commission has also criticised the court.
The Irish Constitution guarantees a person the right to a trial by jury, but the SCC is used in extraordinary circumstances – such as terrorist and organised crime cases - to avoid issues such as intimidation of jury members.
What do you think: Should the Special Criminal Court be abolished?
Poll Results:
No (2609)
I don't know (2262)
Yes (336)
have your say