Menu
10/03/2022
New Bill To Reform NI Courts Approved
Northern Ireland's new Criminal Justice (Committal Reform) Act 2022 has been granted Royal Assent, Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced.
Reaching this stage allows for work to progress on implementing reforms to the process of court committal; removing some avoidable delay in the current system and reducing the impact of giving oral evidence on victims and witnesses.
Naomi Long said: "This marks a significant step in bringing much needed changes to the committal process. Work to implement the changes is now moving forward as a matter of priority.
"Since my appointment as Justice Minister, I have focused on ensuring that our laws offer the best protection they can to the most vulnerable in our society.
"These long awaited provisions will make a tangible difference to the experience had by the most vulnerable victims and witnesses who come into contact with the justice system and aid in our mission to reduce avoidable delay and the impact it can have.
"The first phase, which is planned for implementation in September 2022, will mean that for new cases brought forward from this point, no victim or witness can be put on the stand to be examined and cross-examined in a committal hearing before the actual trial.
"In tandem, my Department is also working towards implementing the second phase of this programme of work. This will allow cases involving some of the most serious offences to bypass a traditional committal hearing and go directly to the Crown Court.
"Provisions in this second phase are expected to require a longer lead in time to implement, however every effort will be made to do so as expediently as possible. I have asked my officials to work towards an implementation date in early 2024."
Reaching this stage allows for work to progress on implementing reforms to the process of court committal; removing some avoidable delay in the current system and reducing the impact of giving oral evidence on victims and witnesses.
Naomi Long said: "This marks a significant step in bringing much needed changes to the committal process. Work to implement the changes is now moving forward as a matter of priority.
"Since my appointment as Justice Minister, I have focused on ensuring that our laws offer the best protection they can to the most vulnerable in our society.
"These long awaited provisions will make a tangible difference to the experience had by the most vulnerable victims and witnesses who come into contact with the justice system and aid in our mission to reduce avoidable delay and the impact it can have.
"The first phase, which is planned for implementation in September 2022, will mean that for new cases brought forward from this point, no victim or witness can be put on the stand to be examined and cross-examined in a committal hearing before the actual trial.
"In tandem, my Department is also working towards implementing the second phase of this programme of work. This will allow cases involving some of the most serious offences to bypass a traditional committal hearing and go directly to the Crown Court.
"Provisions in this second phase are expected to require a longer lead in time to implement, however every effort will be made to do so as expediently as possible. I have asked my officials to work towards an implementation date in early 2024."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 December 2021
Justice Minister Announces Reform Of Court Committal Process
Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced new legislation to reform the court committal process. The Criminal Justice (Committal Reform) Bill, which was passed in the Assembly today, contains measures which will remove some avoidable delay in the current system and reduce the impact of giving oral evidence on victims and witnesses.
Justice Minister Announces Reform Of Court Committal Process
Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced new legislation to reform the court committal process. The Criminal Justice (Committal Reform) Bill, which was passed in the Assembly today, contains measures which will remove some avoidable delay in the current system and reduce the impact of giving oral evidence on victims and witnesses.
18 October 2022
Justice Minister Reforms Committal Process
New legislation to reform the committal process has been introduced by Justice Minister Naomi Long. Following the introduction of the legislation, for all new cases brought forward preliminary investigations and mixed committals are abolished; removing the need to give oral evidence at committal hearings in magistrates' courts.
Justice Minister Reforms Committal Process
New legislation to reform the committal process has been introduced by Justice Minister Naomi Long. Following the introduction of the legislation, for all new cases brought forward preliminary investigations and mixed committals are abolished; removing the need to give oral evidence at committal hearings in magistrates' courts.
15 October 2024
Support Essential For Prison Staff And Communities
Justice Minister Naomi Long has emphasised the critical importance of addressing the spiritual, emotional, social, and practical needs of prison staff, those in custody, their families, victims of crime, and their communities. Minister Long visited Maghaberry Prison and the Sycamore Tree Programme to mark the start of the annual Prisons Week.
Support Essential For Prison Staff And Communities
Justice Minister Naomi Long has emphasised the critical importance of addressing the spiritual, emotional, social, and practical needs of prison staff, those in custody, their families, victims of crime, and their communities. Minister Long visited Maghaberry Prison and the Sycamore Tree Programme to mark the start of the annual Prisons Week.
24 February 2016
'Significant Amount Of Work Still Outstanding' At Maghaberry Prison
An inspection of Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn has revealed it has 'stabilised' after a previous report found the facility had become unsafe for prisoners and staff. The second inspection, which was carried out in January this year, found some progress had been made, however a significant amount of work still remains outstanding.
'Significant Amount Of Work Still Outstanding' At Maghaberry Prison
An inspection of Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn has revealed it has 'stabilised' after a previous report found the facility had become unsafe for prisoners and staff. The second inspection, which was carried out in January this year, found some progress had been made, however a significant amount of work still remains outstanding.
30 April 2004
Consultation launched on committal proceedings
Criminal Justice Minister, John Spellar today launched a consultation exercise on the future of committal proceedings. The rationale for change is based on a desire to streamline the system, with a view to making the process more efficient and cost effective, whilst also ensuring the rights of both witnesses and defendants are safeguarded.
Consultation launched on committal proceedings
Criminal Justice Minister, John Spellar today launched a consultation exercise on the future of committal proceedings. The rationale for change is based on a desire to streamline the system, with a view to making the process more efficient and cost effective, whilst also ensuring the rights of both witnesses and defendants are safeguarded.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
