56—Continuation of trial with less than full number of jurors
(1) If during the
course of a criminal trial the presiding judge is satisfied that, by reason of
the ill health of a juror or a matter of special urgency or importance, a
juror should be excused from further attendance, the judge may order that the
juror be excused from further attendance during that trial and for such
further period (if any) as the judge determines.
(2) If during the
course of a criminal trial a juror dies or is excused under
subsection (1), or fails to attend without lawful excuse, the trial will,
subject to any contrary direction by the presiding judge, continue with the
reduced number of jurors, provided that the number of jurors has not been
reduced to less than 10.