The justice system

Introduction to the justice system

A guide to the judicial system in Northern Ireland, including the differences between civil and criminal law

Information on your basic rights within the justice system - as a witness, victim, defendant or juror

Information on the administration of criminal law in Northern Ireland, including the prosecution process and how trials are administered

How the police and other agencies of the criminal justice system work to maintain the law and investigate crime

Information on the administration of civil law in Northern Ireland

Information on what Legal Aid is and whether you are eligible

Details on the age of criminal responsibility and how young offenders are dealt with

Details on community and custodial sentencing, and how appeals are handled in the justice system