Justice and the law

Services for victims of crime who, along with witnesses, play a crucial role in the criminal justice process.

Legislation, how to apply for compensation, information on human trafficking and how to contact Compensation Services.

To promote justice through cross-cutting policy, procedural and structural reforms. Here you will find how we are progressing.

Intergovernmental cooperation on criminal justice matters including the role of Legacy Litigation and Projects Unit.

Here you will find information on the fine collection and enforcement service, guidance and relevant legislation.

Here you will find information on pension schemes for fee-paid judges

Northern Ireland's justice system is changing, so every victim of sexual crime gets the support they need. Victims can access free legal advisers, give evidence safely away from the courtroom, and benefit from stronger privacy protections and faster court processes. Find out more about the Gillen Review, what's changed and how to get support below.

Restorative justice aims to address and repair the harm and trauma caused by crime and provides a meaningful alternative to traditional methods of dealing with crime.

The Northern Ireland Health and Safety Tribunal is an independent tribunal set up to consider and determine appeals concerning the issue of, conditions applied to, or revocations of asbestos or petroleum-spirit licences.

On 16 October 2025, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) issued a Practice Recommendation under s.48 of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) against the Department of Justice (DoJ) NI. This non-statutory Code of Practice covers FOIA Request Handling and is considered to provide best practice guidance in compliance. In line with this guidance the Department will publish both annual and quarterly reports.

Remote Evidence Centres (RECs) provide a safe, comfortable space away from the court building for vulnerable witnesses to give evidence directly to the court from a video link room within the REC.

In law, disclosure refers to the process where parties in a legal case are required to reveal relevant information to each other.