Conflict related court records

PRONI holds the records of many conflict related court cases. Each year people write to PRONI seeking access to these court files.

COVID-19 Update: PRONI is continuing to accept FOI requests and other requests for access to closed records. However, responses will likely be delayed as access to the physical collection is restricted and the majority of PRONI staff are not working onsite, in line with social distancing measures. Your request will be logged and PRONI will contact you about its progress. You will not need to resubmit your request at a later date. More information about the regulation of FOI requests during coronavirus is available from the Information Commissioner's Office.

Information you need to provide

PRONI holds the records of many conflict related court cases. However, PRONI doesn't have all court records about the conflict.

To find out if PRONI has the record of a particular court case, email or write to PRONI and include the name or names of the accused.

It is helpful if you also include the dates of the case and the court in which it was heard.

Apply for access to court records

PRONI considers requests for access to information under the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA), the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) and the Court Files Privileged Access Rules (NI) 2016. Applicants can decide which process is most suited to their needs.

Records under Court Files Privileged Access Rules (NI) 2016

Relatives can contact PRONI to find out if it has a particular court record. The process under the 2016 Rules allows individuals privileged access to information in court files provided they sign an undertaking that they will keep the released files confidential. Applicants can either request access to information themselves, or they can appoint a legal representative or charity to receive the information on their behalf.

Individual applicants

Any individual who has been affected by the conflict or by another incident recorded in any court file held by the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland may apply for access under the 2016 Rules. Individuals applying for access to court records under the Court Files Privileged Access Rules (NI) 2016 should complete the application form. The guidance notes will help you to complete your form.

Applicants represented by a legal representative or charity

An eligible applicant may also appoint a legal representative, or nominate an employee of a charity to receive the information on their behalf. Lawyers or charities who are applying on behalf of an applicant for access to court records under Court Files Privileged Access Rules (NI) should complete the application form. The guidance notes will help you to complete the form.

The Court Files Privileged Access Rules (Northern Ireland) 2016 are available at the following link:

The Court Files Privileged Access Rules (Northern Ireland) 2016

Records under Freedom of Information Act 2000

Applications can be made for access to court records under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. If you apply for a court record under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the version of the record which is given to you will also be available for other people to see.

To make an application under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 contact PRONI in writing or by e-mail.

Contact PRONI

Public Record Office of Northern Ireland
2 Titanic Boulevard
Titanic Quarter
Belfast
BT3 9HQ

email: proni@communities-ni.gov.uk
phone: (+44) 028 9053 4800

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