Digital Age Presents New Challenges for Criminal Trials

The Bar of Northern Ireland recently led the second Committee for Justice Seminar on Innovation in the Criminal Justice System at Stormont.

With views from the Prosecution and the Defence, Lauren Cheshire BL and Sean Mullan BL offered their insight into the practical issues surrounding youth justice today. Chaired by Bar Council Chairman, Gerry McAlinden QC, the discussion covers topics such as delay, statutory time limits, improving the experience of victims and witnesses and the ever increasing influence of social media.

Justice Committee Chairman Alastair Ross MLA said that social media such as Facebook and Twitter are presenting the legal community with new challenges.

“This was the second of our ‘Justice Seminar’ series, which seek to encourage innovative and collaborative approaches to justice in Northern Ireland.

In recent years senior judges have warned that social media comments could inadvertently prejudice high profile cases.

Young people too need to be aware that not only is what they put up on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram sent out for the whole world to see, but that misjudged or malicious comments can land them in real trouble with the law.

Another concern is the growing problem of young people exchanging sexually explicit pictures, and the policing of what is commonly referred to as online ‘revenge porn’.

These types of issues are still relatively recent phenomena, but there is no doubt that they challenge the entire legal community and the longer lasting impact of online behaviour and social media on the justice system hasn’t been fully realised yet.

What is certain however is that the legal justice system needs to adapt and ensure that it is keeps pace with the challenges the digital age presents.”