Call for views on unfitness to plead and trials of fact
Date published:
The judge conducting a review into the law and procedures on unfitness to plead and trials of fact is seeking public views on the subject.
A call for views has been launched as Sir John Gillen continues to examine how the law and procedures operate at present and considers how they may function in future.
Sir John said: “With this call for views, the public has an opportunity to shape policy that will have a tangible and beneficial impact on victims.
“The public voice is absolutely crucial to this review which aims to ensure the justice system is fair to all , equitable and, most importantly, that it puts victims front and centre at all times without sacrificing the rights of defendants.
“I am encouraging everyone with an interest in this issue to respond.”
Sir John was appointed by the Justice and Health ministers to conduct the review.
Among the questions being posed in the call for views are whether the existing system is open to abuse and whether existing disposals following a finding of fact provide adequate public protection.
The call for views, which closes on 23 December 2026, can be found here:
Review into the Law and Procedures on Unfitness to Plead and Trials of Fact | Department of Justice
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