The Special Criminal Court: Half a century of denying fair trial rights

The Special Criminal Court should be abolished and the right to a fair trial restored for all, argues Liam Herrick

Given that the Special Criminal Court only hears a fraction of all cases, the assertion that it is the solution to jury intimidation is highly questionable. Picture: Niall Carson

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties has opposed the use of the Special Criminal Court since our foundation. The weakening of fair trial rights and use of non-jury courts are a fundamental breach of the rights of everyone in this country.

The decision at the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis to adopt a new position on the question of the Special Criminal Court and the use of non-jury trials more generally presents an opportunity to recall why groups like ICCL, Amnesty and the United Nations Human Rights Committee have always opposed the Court and will continue to do so.