A new Court of Trial Protocol for category 2 and 3 offences pursuant to section 66 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 will come into force on 12 March 2018.

The protocol is established by the Chief High Court Judge and the Chief District Court Judge. It will replace the previous protocol and will apply to proceedings commenced on or after 12 March.

The protocol identifies cases and classes of cases which must always be considered for transfer to the High Court in accordance with section 66.

It is the obligation of the prosecution to identify cases falling within the protocol.