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08/07/2009
Lawyers Call For Scrapping Of Gang Bill
Over 100 lawyers have demanded the immediate withdrawal of a controversial Bill introducing new powers to tackle gangland crime.
In a letter the Irish Times on Wednesday, the 133 defence and prosecution lawyers say they are "extremely concerned" about the latest plans from the Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern.
The recently announced Bill is seeking to establish sweeping reforms in how Gardai and the courts tackle gangland crime, including more use of the Special Criminal Court, which sits without a jury and increased powers for Gardaí.
The Bill also contains plans to let gardaí of any rank give opinion evidence about the existence of a gang with no necessity for corroboration.
However, the letter has expressed concern over these propositions saying opinion evidence from a garda must be understood as simply that – an opinion.
The letter went on to say that the Constitution would not permit the "impetuous" legislation, and even if it does, the European courts would soon be called upon to rule on the issue where, the letter claims, it would be "shamed" by the United Nations and the European Court of Human Rights.
The letter calls for the Bill to be withdrawn to allow for a period of consultation.
The Bill passed its committee stage in the Dáil last night, although debate was shortened as TDs discussed the impact of the electricians’ strike leading to accusations of 'guillotining' by the opposition.
TDs will finish work on it on Friday and it will go before the Seanad next week.
(DW/BMcC)
In a letter the Irish Times on Wednesday, the 133 defence and prosecution lawyers say they are "extremely concerned" about the latest plans from the Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern.
The recently announced Bill is seeking to establish sweeping reforms in how Gardai and the courts tackle gangland crime, including more use of the Special Criminal Court, which sits without a jury and increased powers for Gardaí.
The Bill also contains plans to let gardaí of any rank give opinion evidence about the existence of a gang with no necessity for corroboration.
However, the letter has expressed concern over these propositions saying opinion evidence from a garda must be understood as simply that – an opinion.
The letter went on to say that the Constitution would not permit the "impetuous" legislation, and even if it does, the European courts would soon be called upon to rule on the issue where, the letter claims, it would be "shamed" by the United Nations and the European Court of Human Rights.
The letter calls for the Bill to be withdrawn to allow for a period of consultation.
The Bill passed its committee stage in the Dáil last night, although debate was shortened as TDs discussed the impact of the electricians’ strike leading to accusations of 'guillotining' by the opposition.
TDs will finish work on it on Friday and it will go before the Seanad next week.
(DW/BMcC)
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