Ford announces access to justice review

Justice Minister David Ford has today underlined his commitment to build a justice system to meet the needs of everyone.

As part of his agenda to reshape the justice system, the Minister has announced a review to examine how best to help people secure access to justice.

He has appointed Jim Daniell to take forward the review and has asked for a preliminary report by next February.  

David Ford said: “I want to build a system of justice in Northern Ireland that will meet the needs of everyone.  In criminal cases we need, and deserve, a system that works for all – victims, witnesses and defendants, and which gives everyone confidence that the system works.  

“We also need and deserve a civil justice system that provides an effective and accessible way of resolving many different kinds of legal disputes - and of course both criminal and civil cases need to proceed without delay.”

Setting out his objectives for the review, the Minister said: “It will consider new ideas, new ways of doing things, thinking that is radical and innovative.  I want to look at how we can help people solve problems and disputes without necessarily bringing those disputes into court, and how we can support people through the justice process.

“While we must ensure that access to legal representation will always be available to those who need it, I believe that we should try to find ways of avoiding the costly, adversarial and often stressful experience of a court hearing in favour of alternative methods to resolving disputes.

“I want the review to consider ideas and proposals, and constructive criticism, from as many people, groups and organisations as possible.  I know that the voluntary sector will have an important contribution to make as will the legal profession and the statutory agencies involved in the justice system.

“I want everyone to have their say because everyone should have a voice in how the justice system works.”

Notes to editors

1. The Terms of Reference for the review are to review legal aid provision in Northern Ireland and to develop proposals to improve access to justice which will:

• ensure that defendants have adequate representation to secure the right to a fair trial in criminal cases;
• in civil cases provide adequate, appropriate, efficient and cost-effective mechanisms for resolving legal disputes, whether by action in the courts or otherwise;
• examine previous review work to determine what recommendations and proposals remain relevant;
• examine what scope there is for alternative approaches and structures, as set out in the Minister’s June 7 speech;
• make proposals for  an efficient and cost-effective system of administration to develop policy and support access to justice;
• make proposals to achieve value for money in the use of public funds within the available budget, including identification of possible future savings to reduce the legal aid budget.

2. Jim Daniell will carry out the review and will provide a draft report to the Minister by the end of February and final report by May 2011. He is standing down from the position of Chairman of the Legal Services Commission to take forward this work. Mr Daniell previously chaired the Review of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland.

3. All media enquires should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office 028 9052 6444. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.