Jury reform debate puts tampering safeguards and trial readiness in focus

The House began debating the Jury (Amendment) Bill on 20 January, with jury tampering and trial preparation central to the proposals described by the justice minister.

According to JIS, the proposed framework would allow a pre-trial prosecution application for trial without a jury where protective measures could not sufficiently address a real danger of tampering. Other provisions addressed discharging a compromised jury and giving reasoned decisions when a judge sits alone.

The package also dealt with readiness hearings, including disclosure and witness availability, and payments for jurors and people attending selection. These were proposals described during debate. This source does not establish that the new powers or payment arrangements had commenced.

Historical parliamentary development reported by JIS and rechecked at the source. This report does not verify the final Act, assent, commencement, subsequent amendments or present obligations; the named stage is not a statement that the proposal remains at that stage today.