News, analysis, and updates on legal reforms, law enforcement, judicial processes, and public safety measures upholding justice in Northern Ireland.
The Justice Minister has issued a fresh call for volunteers to join the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) as Northern Ireland’s prison system grapples with rising population levels and increasing scrutiny of conditions behind bars. Applications are now open for ordinary citizens to take up these statutory oversight roles across all […]
Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a new social media campaign to challenge widespread misconceptions about rape and sexual assault, warning that harmful myths continue to prevent victims from reporting crimes and allow perpetrators to escape justice. The initiative, titled “Rape Myths = Real Harm,” forms part of the Department
New legislation overhauling sentencing policy in Northern Ireland has been introduced to the Assembly, bringing stiffer penalties for dangerous driving, new protections for public service workers, and landmark reforms for families of murder victims whose loved ones’ bodies have never been found. The Sentencing Bill, brought forward by Justice Minister
Justice ministers and senior police leaders from both sides of the Irish border have convened in Cavan today for the annual cross-border conference on organised and serious crime, focusing on dismantling the business models of criminal networks that exploit jurisdictional boundaries. The 2026 gathering, held on 2 March, brings together
Court fees in Northern Ireland will rise by 5 per cent from April 2026, with further increases of 2 per cent planned for the subsequent two years, as the justice system moves closer to a “full cost recovery” funding model. The Department of Justice has published its response to a
The Department of Justice is considering its next steps on a proposal to make the offence of causing or allowing a child or vulnerable adult to die punishable by life imprisonment, following overwhelming public support for the changes. Justice Minister Naomi Long has confirmed that while the proposals will not
Nexus NI has secured a multi-million-pound contract to continue operating Northern Ireland’s 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline for the next three years, with the potential to extend until 2031. Announced on 18 February 2026 by the Department of Justice, the award marks the charity’s second time managing the critical
Self-employed workers in Northern Ireland who provide services to vulnerable groups—including private tutors, personal carers, and therapists—can now apply for Enhanced AccessNI checks for the first time, closing a significant gap in safeguarding protections. Justice Minister Naomi Long announced the change on 17 February 2026, confirming that legislative amendments to
Justice Minister Naomi Long has appointed Bria Mongan OBE as Deputy Chair of the Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI), promoting the experienced social work leader to the body’s second-highest governance role. The appointment comes eleven months into the current Board’s three-year term and marks her transition from ordinary Board
Major reforms to Northern Ireland’s sentencing laws are set to come before the Assembly within weeks, including new measures to help families of murder victims whose remains have never been recovered. The Sentencing Bill, unveiled by Justice Minister Naomi Long on 12 February 2026, represents one of the most significant
