Views are being sought on whether the PSNI and PPS should be
given additional powers to deal with a range of offences outside
the traditional court process.
Proposals for out-of-court disposals are designed to offer a
timely and proportionate response to a range of offending
behaviours.
This in turn enhances the capacity and resources dedicated to
managing more serious cases – speeding up justice for all.
Launching the consultation today, Justice Minister said: “Our criminal
justice system continues to be under significant pressure; there
are still significant backlogs in our courts, and cases are
taking too long.
“Tackling delay has been a longstanding priority for my
Department and our partners in the criminal justice system but it
is a complex issue and not one that is unique to Northern
Ireland.
“The benefits of dealing with cases more quickly through
the use of out-of-court disposals, where appropriate, are well
recognised and can deliver swift and effective justice which can
help to deter future offending.
“This isn't about letting offenders off the hook, but
delivering punishments in the most appropriate way and maximising
court capacity to deal with the most serious cases
quicker.
“The proposals outlined in the consultation paper provide
us with the opportunity to re-balance our system by finding
better, more efficient ways of dealing with low-level
offending.”
The Department of Justice would like to hear from members of the
public, community and voluntary organisations and anyone else
with an interest in the criminal justice system in Northern
Ireland.
The consultation, which is open until 28 September, can be
accessed at: www.justice-ni.gov.uk/consultations/proposed-expansion-out-court-disposals-including-penalty-notices-justice-act-northern-ireland-2011
Notes to editors:
- Out-of-court disposals are measures used to resolve some
criminal offences without the need for a formal court trial.
These disposals aim to provide a more efficient and proportionate
response to some offending.
