Compensation for Miscarriages of Justice: Statutory Maximum Awards- Summary of Consultation Responses And Way Forward
Date published:
A public consultation on miscarriage of justice statutory maximum awards in Northern Ireland ran from 22 June 2026 until 17 August 2026.The consultation sought views on potential changes to maximum compensation awards payable in miscarriage of justice cases administered by the Department of Justice.
This consultation was held following an announcement by the Ministry of Justice on 15 July 2025 that the statutory maximum awards for compensation for miscarriage of justice cases in England and Wales, and in cases involving national security in Northern Ireland were to be increased by 30%. In October 2025, the UK Parliament approved the 30% uplift. The Department of Justice considered that the changes in England and Wales, combined with the passage of time since the statutory maximum awards were set, provided an appropriate opportunity to invite public and stakeholder views on whether reform was required in Northern Ireland.