(This note is not part of the Rules.)
These rules prescribe the practice and procedure to be followed by panels of Life Sentence Review Commissioners in dealing with the hearing of cases of life prisoners under the Life Sentences (Northern Ireland) Order 2001. They include provision for:—
(a)the appointment of, and procedures to be followed by, panels of Commissioners;
(b)the making of directions by the chairman of a panel for the conduct of a case;
(c)the appointment of a special advocate in cases involving confidential information;
(d)the reduction of time limits to permit the early hearing of cases involving recalled life prisoners.
Rule 21 provides for the service of documents on the Secretary of State at Northern Ireland Prison Service Headquarters. The current address to which these documents should be addressed is:—
The Life Sentence Unit
Northern Ireland Prison Service Headquarters
Dundonald House
Upper Newtownards Road
Belfast
BT4 3SU