Statement on expansion of out of court disposals/penalty notices
Date published:
Last updated:
The Minister of Justice, on behalf of the Department of Justice and the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service, supported by the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland endorse the planned expansion of Out of Court Disposals.
Tackling delay remains one of the greatest challenges facing our criminal justice system. Through the Speeding Up Justice Programme, a Programme for Government commitment, the Minister of Justice, on behalf of the Department of Justice and the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service, supported by the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, is determined to deliver a system that is faster, fairer, and more effective for all. Expanding the use of Out of Court Disposals by police and prosecutors for cases which involve lower-level offending is central to achieving that goal. This statement endorses the planned expansion of Out of Court Disposals.