Former Wicklow publican Ms Catherine Nevin pleaded not guilty to the murder of her husband, Mr Thomas Nevin, when she was arraigned at the Central Criminal Court yesterday.
The opening of the trial was delayed as Ms Justice Carroll heard preliminary applications from counsel in the absence of the jury.
A ban on reporting the issues involved was imposed.
Earlier, when Ms Nevin's case was first called before Mr Justice Paul Carney, Mr Peter Charleton SC, for the DPP, said he agreed with Mr Patrick MacEntee SC, defending, that there were legal issues that had to be dealt with before certain matters could proceed.
He asked that Ms Nevin be arraigned on the Count One murder charge on the indictment only.
Ms Nevin (48), wearing a navy suit and white blouse, replied "not guilty" when the charge was read to her. She sat calmly throughout the four-hour hearing with her hands on her lap.
A garda with a sealed box of exhibits sat close to her.
Ms Nevin's sister, Ms Betty White, attended the hearing, as did a number of Mr Nevin's relatives.
A jury of six women and six men were sworn in to try Ms Nevin on the charge of murder of her husband, Mr Thomas Nevin (54), on March 19th, 1996, at their home in Jack White's Inn, Ballinapark, near Brittas Bay, Co Wicklow.
After initial legal submissions, Ms Justice Carroll sent the jurors away.
Legal argument is set to continue this morning and the trial is expected to open before the jury this afternoon.
The trial is expected to last between four and six weeks.