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Dáil Éireann debate -
Friday, 27 Jun 1924

Vol. 8 No. 1

PRIVATE BUSINESS. - CRIMINAL JUSTICE (ADMINISTRATION) BILL, 1924.—REPORT STAGE.

I move formally the following amendment:—

In page 4, before Section 10, to insert a new section as follows:—

The Oath to be administered to the jurors empanelled to try whether a prisoner is competent to plead or not shall be in the following form, that is to say:—

"I do swear by Almighty God that I will well and diligently inquire whether A.B., the prisoner at the bar, be insane or not, and a true verdict give according to the best of my understanding."

Mr. O'HIGGINS

This amendment which Deputy Dolan has moved is simply a rectification of an oversight in the Bill. There is still a third form of oath. There is the ordinary oath taken by jurors in trying a prisoner, and there is the oath where the prisoner stands dumb, and a jury is empanelled to say whether in fact he is dumb or refraining from speech to obstruct the trial. There is this form where a prisoner seems to be insane, and the jury has to say whether in fact he is insane or whether he is simply shamming insanity. That oath is for use in cases of that kind.

Amendment put and agreed to.
Question: "That the Bill, as amended, be received for final consideration"—put and agreed to.
Fifth Stage ordered for Tuesday, 1st July.
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