News

The Criminal Justice Review Group was set up on 27 June 2020 under the Good Friday Agreement and tasked with undertaking a wide-ranging review of criminal justice (other than policing and those aspects of the system relating to emergency legislation). It reported in March 2000, making 294 recommendations for change across the criminal justice system. These covered areas as diverse as the prosecution service, courts, the judiciary, youth conferencing, community safety, victims and witnesses, law reform and international co-operation. On publication the Government announced a consultation period of six months and undertook to publish legislation and a detailed timetable for implementation once the responses to the consultation exercise had been considered.

The Government published its response to the Review Report on 12 November 2001. The response comprised an Implementation Plan detailing the Government's response to each recommendation and draft legislation covering those recommendations which require statutory provision. In a press release the Secretary of State said, "The Good Friday Agreement opened the door to a new era for Northern Ireland. As one of the cornerstones of the Agreement, the review of criminal justice delivers a criminal justice system evolved for this new era."

A consultation period on the legislation and Implementation Plan has been announced. This finishes on 12 December 2001. It is anticipated that legislation will be introduced into Parliament this session.

The Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002