Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence Mr. Alan Shatter has signed into effect a measure which will assist juries in their deliberations in complex theft and fraud trials.

The measure is contained in the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 which only came into force this month following concerns over high costs and technical problems. 

Section 57 of the 2001 Act provides that in such cases, the judge may order copies of documents, charts, transcripts, agreed summaries of evidence and other documents to be given to juries to assist in their deliberations. It is believed providing such information will allow jury members to review key aspects of evidence in a simplified manner, thereby enhancing their ability to reach just and fair decisions.

When signing the commencement order Mr. Shatter said that this measure is an important step in tackling white collar crime. He also welcomed the signing into law by President Mary McAleese of the Criminal Justice Act 2011 yesterday. In the Minister’s opinion, these measures combined will assist the Gardai and the DPP greatly in their work to investigate and prosecute white collar crime.