Jury Directions Act 2015
16When trial judge must give direction regardless of parties' views
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16 When trial judge must give direction regardless of parties' views
(1) The trial judge must give the jury a direction if the trial judge considers that there are substantial and compelling reasons for doing so even though the direction has not been requested under section 12.
(2) Before giving a direction under this section, the trial judge must—
(a) inform the prosecution and defence counsel (or, if the accused is unrepresented, the accused) that the trial judge is considering giving the direction; and
(b) invite submissions from the prosecution and defence counsel (or the accused, as the case may be) about the direction and whether there are substantial and compelling reasons for giving the direction.