Background

The Lay Magistracy came into being in April 2005.  The Belfast Agreement of 1998 provided for a review of the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland. Many of the recommendations of the resulting Criminal Justice Review of 2000 were incorporated into the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002.  The post combines many of the duties of the previous offices of Justice of the Peace and Lay Panellists. This was to meet the need for a criminal justice system which is responsive to community concerns, encourages community involvement and promotes public confidence.

For more detail on the creation of the Lay Magistrate post please see the Lay Magistrates’ Handbook.