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Your rights and the justice system

At certain times in your life, you may come into contact with the justice system. The details here explain your rights and responsibilities, and where you can get further help and information.

If you witness a crime - how you can help

The information in the statement you give to the police is used to try and track down the people who committed the crime. Don't be concerned if you don't hear anything from the police for a while - it can take time to build a case and to collect evidence.

Giving evidence in court

If someone is charged with the crime, you may be asked to give evidence in court. If you feel nervous or have questions or want to look round court before the trial starts there is help and support available from the Witness Service, an organisation run by Victim Support Northern Ireland (VSNI).

The Criminal Justice System Northern Ireland (CJSNI) website also has information about what to expect, including a witnesses virtual walkthrough tour.

If you're a victim of crime

Once you have reported your crime to the police, you have a right to be kept up to date on the progress of the case, and to be told about arrests and court cases. You should also receive:

  • information about Victim Support NI and either be referred on to them or offered their service
  • clear information about compensation that may be available
  • a dedicated family liaison police officer if you have been bereaved by the crime

Find out further information using the links below.

Jury service

You may be summoned for jury service if you’re aged between 18 and 70 - it is a service that all members of the public are expected to perform. Juries are usually used in trials for serious offences such as murder, assault, burglary or fraud, which are tried at Crown courts. Juries consider evidence and then reach a verdict of 'guilty' or 'not guilty'.

There is more information on what serving as a juror involves in the Crime, Justice and the Law section of nidirect. You can also access a juror Online application which will take you through what happens on jury service. The NI Court Service website also has an online video guide (which is shown to you when you first arrive in court). Follow the links below for more details.

If you're a defendant in a criminal case

If you do come into contact with the criminal justice system either as a result of being arrested, charged or having received a summons to attend court, then you should first seriously consider obtaining legal advice from a solicitor or other legal advisor. It is important that you tell police if you wish to do this. A legal representative will advise you of your rights at all stages in the criminal justice process. You may be entitled to legal aid, there are three levels of service:

  • advice and assistance on criminal matters general, under the same provisions for civil cases
  • free advice and assistance for anyone being interviewed at a police station in connection with a suspected offence (PACE advice)
  • free legal aid

To qualify, the court must satisfy itself on two matters:

Civil disputes

Those disputes which don't involve the police are referred to as a 'civil law' issues rather than 'criminal law' issues. The most common issues within civil law relate to employment, housing, council tax and debt/credit, but there are many others that are also covered.

If you are involved in a civil dispute it is in everyone’s interests to try to keep the matter out of court as this can be expensive, time-consuming and often emotionally draining for those involved. Mediation or alternative dispute resolution, such as conciliation and arbitration, are recommended as the best ways to resolve civil disputes. However if they don’t work, you or the other person or party involved in the dispute may want to take it further by going to court.

Legal Costs

Civil legal aid provides help across a range of areas including:-

  • bankruptcy
  • children and family matters
  • divorce / maintenance
  • personal Injury claims

Within Civil Legal Aid there are three main stages:

  • legal advice and assistance
  • assistance by way of representation
  • legal aid

Qualification is subject to the individual’s financial circumstances.

Going to court

If you do end up in court, you have a responsibility to co-operate with the court to achieve the objective of a just and fair outcome. This means providing documentation and following procedures.

Dispute resolution or settling the case outside court remains an option right up to the beginning of a court case.

More useful links

Do it online

Useful contacts