1

INTRODUCTION
The Belfast Agreement
The Approach We Adopted

2

EXPERIENCE OF CRIME AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE
IN NORTHERN IRELAND
Introduction
Extent of Crime
Views about Crime
Worry about Crime
What Contact do People have with the Criminal Justice System?
What do People think of the System?
Willingness to Participate in the System

Rights and Principles

3

HUMAN RIGHTS AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Introduction
International Instruments
Human Rights in the Belfast Agreement
Views Expressed During the Consultation Process
Evaluation and Recommendations

The Prosecution

4

THE PROSECUTION
Introduction
Human Rights Background
The Structure and Organisation of the Prosecution Process
Views Expressed During the Consultation Process
Research and Experience of Other Jurisdictions
Evaluation and Recommendations

Courts and the Judiciary

5

THE STRUCTURE OF THE COURTS AND THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM

6

THE JUDICIARY
Introduction
The Role of the Judge
Human Rights Background
Current Arrangements
Views Expressed During the Consultation Period
Research and Experience in Other Jurisdictions
Evaluation and Recommendations

LAY INVOLVEMENT IN ADJUDICATION
Introduction
Human Rights Background
Current Position in Northern Ireland
Views Expressed During the Consultation Process
Research and Experience in Other Jurisdictions
Evaluation and Recommendations

COURTS
Introduction
Human Rights Background
Current Arrangements
Views Expressed During the Consultation Process
Experience in Other Jurisdictions
Evaluation and Recommendations

9

RESTORATIVE AND REPARATIVE JUSTICE
Introduction
What is Restorative Justice?
Human Rights Background
Current Position in Northern Ireland
Views Expressed during the Consultation Process
Research and International Comparisons
Evaluation and Recommendations

JUVENILE JUSTICE
Human Rights Background
Operation of the Juvenile Justice System in Northern Ireland
Views Expressed During the Consultation Process
Research and International Comparisons
Evaluation and Recommendations

11

COMMUNITY SAFETY
Introduction
What is Community Safety?
Current Arrangements in Northern Ireland
Research and International Comparisons
Views Expressed during the Consultation Process
Evaluation and Recommendations

12

SENTENCES, PRISONS AND PROBATION
Introduction
Human Rights Background
Current Arrangements – Sentences
Current Arrangements – The Prison and Probation Services
Views Expressed during the Consultation Process
Research and International Experience
Evaluation and Recommendations

13

VICTIMS AND WITNESSES
Introduction
Human Rights Background
Current Position in Northern Ireland
Research Findings
Views Expressed During the Consultation Period
Evaluation and Recommendations

14

LAW REFORM
Introduction
Current Arrangements for Law Reform in Northern Ireland
Views Expressed During the Consultation Process
Research and Experience in Other Jurisdictions
Evaluation and Recommendations

15

ORGANISATION AND STRUCTURE
Introduction
Human Rights Background
Current Position in Northern Ireland
Views Expressed during the Consultation Process
Research and International Comparisons
Evaluation and Recommendations

RESEARCH AND EVALUATION
Introduction
Current Arrangements in Northern Ireland
Views Expressed During the Consultation Process
Experience in Other Jurisdictions
Evaluation and Recommendations

Structured Co-operation

17

STRUCTURED CO-OPERATION
Introduction
Human Rights
Current Arrangements
Views Expressed during the Consultation Process
Evaluation and Recommendations

Recommendations and Appendices

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

Human Rights and Guiding Principles
The Prosecution
The Judiciary
Lay Involvement in Adjudication
Courts
Restorative and Reparative Justice
Juvenile Justice
Community Safety
Sentences, Prisons and Probation
Victims and Witnesses
Law Reform
Organisation and Structure
Research and Evaluation
Structured Co-operation

APPENDICES

A

B
C

Political Parties and Others who gave Written Submissions or Position Papers to, or who met the Criminal Justice Review Group
Criminal Justice Review Research Reports
Seminars