Ford seeks views on Statutory Time Limits

Justice Minister David Ford has launched a new consultation seeking stakeholders’ views on an ideal start point for measuring Statutory Time Limits in criminal cases.

Statutory time limits, which give the criminal justice system a specified time to progress a criminal case, are proposed by the Minister as part of his plans for a faster, fairer justice system.

Extensive engagement took place during a previous consultation in December 2013 when the Department sought views on proposals for an appropriate start time for statutory time limits.  Taking account of the views expressed then and following further engagement with key stakeholders, the Minister is consulting on revised plans, which will require legislative changes to facilitate a more flexible scheme.  

David Ford said: “Soon after becoming Justice Minister I committed to speeding up our criminal justice system.  While progress has been made, it will not be possible to deliver a statutory time limit scheme within this Assembly mandate, as it would require primary legislation. This consultation seeks views on how the law might be amended to deliver the flexibility needed, and also the most effective type of statutory time limits scheme” 

 “I am proposing statutory time limits as part of an ambitious programme to speed up our justice system. 

“Good progress has already been made and I remain committed to reducing the burden on victims and witnesses, freeing up resources and increasing public confidence.”

Notes to editors: 

1. Statutory time limits are targets set by law which give the criminal justice system a specified time to progress a criminal case.  Failure to comply with such time limits results in a penalty.
2. View the consultation here.
3. The consultation will last for a period of 14 weeks and closes on 28 March 2016
4. A CJINI report “Avoidable Delay: A Progress Report” was published on 24 January 2012. The report follows an earlier report on avoidable delay published in June 2010. The report considered performance by the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland against standards for speedier justice. Independent reviews of Youth Justice and Criminal Justice made similar recommendations.
5. All media enquiries should be directed to the DOJ Press Office on 028 9052 6444.  Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.

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