The High Court has warned that behaviour described as “extremely disruptive” and “violent” will no longer be accepted in courtrooms, following a recent increase in such incidents.
In a notice issued on Thursday, the President of the High Court, Mr Justice David Barniville, said the rising number of disruptions is undermining the efficient operation of the courts, causing delays to cases and posing risks to the safety of judges, court staff, lawyers and litigants, reports Breaking News.
He said the growth in these incidents means that “it cannot be expected that the Court will exercise the type of tolerance for such behaviour as may have been exercised up to now”, reports Breaking News.
Mr Justice Barniville said this type of conduct will be firmly addressed and could lead to criminal proceedings.
He outlined examples of unacceptable behaviour, including actual, attempted or threatened assaults on judges or others in court; physically resisting members of An Garda Síochána when carrying out court directions; recording audio or video in court; and using abusive or threatening language towards a judge or other court users, reports Breaking News.
The range of actions available to a judge in response includes preventing a person from attending court in person, limiting a litigant’s ability to communicate with the court or court staff, and adjourning proceedings.
He said such measures are required to “protect the integrity of proceedings” and to “ensure the proper administration of justice and the safety of all those involved”, reports Breaking News.
“If public confidence in the administration of justice is to be maintained, it is paramount that the authority of the Court is respected”, reports Breaking News.
It has also been confirmed that a similar notice will be issued by the Court of Appeal.
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