Non-jury court 'must be phased out'

THE Government has been urged to phase out the use of the Special Criminal Court after a backlog of cases to be heard is cleared by the middle of next year.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell announced last week a second court will sit from next month to clear the backlog and promised a review will then be carried out.

However, the Government has been criticised by lawyers and opposition politicians for dragging its heels over a review of the court and wider emergency legislation.