Unprecedented measures announced for Haughey jury selection
Monday, 14 February 2000 22:59
Up to 800 potential jurors may be asked a series of questions in relation to Charles Haughey, the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court decided today. The unprecedented measures for jury selection were ordered by Judge Kevin Haugh to help choose 12 jurors for Mr. Haughey's trial, due to begin on March 21st. The Judge put a one-week stay on his order.
Charles Haughey is facing trial next month on two charges of obstructing the McCracken tribunal. He tried and failed last December to have the trial postponed until the Moriarty Tribunal had concluded. But at the time Judge Kevin Haugh indicated he would consider additional safeguards for the jury selection process. He decided on the new unusual measures today which create a precedent for jury selection here. Each of the 800 potential jurors being called to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for late March will receive a letter and questionnaire from the courts with a number of questions in relation to Mr. Haughey that require Yes or No answers.
Judge Haugh said the main purpose of the questionnaire is to provide the lawyers at the trial with information that could assist them when it comes to challenging jurors. They will be working from a position of knowledge rather than potluck. But with the DPP signalling his intention to challenge Judge Haugh's order, further legal proceedings could yet delay the start of Charles Haughey's trial.
