Accumulated adverse pre-trial publicity over multiple trials does not, without more, constitute 'special reasons for inquiry' under s 47 of the Jury Act 1995 (Qld) where the publicity has receded into the past and the accused's position is no worse than at the time of earlier unsuccessful applications. Speculation about the loss of evidence due to delay, without evidence that specific material favourable to the defence has been lost, is insufficient to warrant a permanent stay of proceedings.
The full text is available to signed-in members, including the 5 later cases that cite this judgment.