Changing perceptions of ‘routes to verdict’ in Ireland

This article identifies changes in attitudes towards ‘route to verdict’ documents (RTVs) among members of the judiciary and bar in Ireland. RTVs are written aids designed to guide jurors through their decision-making process. The article uses qualitative data gathered from two waves of judicial interviews, in 2017–2018 and in 2025. In the earlier interviews, judges and barristers were wary about RTVs, but practice has subsequently evolved so that judges are now routinely using them in criminal trials. This represents a significant change to the way jury trials operate in Ireland. Our empirical findings on the Irish experience contribute to the international scholarship on RTVs.