Crown Court
Handles serious criminal cases including murder, rape, robbery, and fraud in Northern Ireland. Also deals with appeals from Magistrates Courts and sentences defendants committed from lower courts.
Northern Ireland · general legal information
Understand your legal options in Northern Ireland
Call Jen, our AI assistant, for free general legal information at any time. Jen is not a solicitor and cannot give legal advice. If you want advice, you can separately request a £145 consultation with an independent solicitor, subject to availability and conflict checks.
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The legal system
How the legal system works in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland's legal system combines elements of common law and statute, operating independently from England, Wales, and Scotland. The Law Society of Northern Ireland regulates solicitors who represent clients in various legal matters. Legal aid is administered by the Legal Services Agency Northern Ireland (LSANI), while criminal prosecutions are handled by the Public Prosecution Service (PPS). Solicitors provide expert advice, representation in court, and guide clients through Northern Ireland's specific legal procedures.
- Solicitor regulator
- Law Society of Northern Ireland
- Legal aid body
- Legal Services Agency Northern Ireland (LSANI)
Courts and tribunals
Key courts in Northern Ireland
Magistrates Court
Deals with less serious criminal offences, preliminary hearings for serious crimes, and some civil matters. Most criminal cases in Northern Ireland begin in the Magistrates Court.
Civil Court
Handles non-criminal disputes including contract disputes, personal injury claims, and family matters. Civil proceedings in Northern Ireland follow specific procedural rules distinct from other UK jurisdictions.
Choose a topic
Legal information for Northern Ireland
Criminal lawArrest, police interviews and court proceedings→Family lawSeparation, children and financial arrangements→Employment lawDismissal, discrimination and tribunal time limits→Drink drivingLimits, procedure, penalties and urgent next steps→Immigration lawVisas, appeals, asylum and detention→Civil lawClaims, disputes and court procedure→
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Call Jen free, 24/7
Describe the issue in your own words and receive general AI-generated information and relevant next steps.
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Check the right route
Use official services where appropriate, including emergency services, police-station duty solicitors and legal-aid resources.
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Common questions
Legal questions in Northern Ireland
How does the drink driving process work in Northern Ireland?
Drink driving cases typically start in Magistrates Court with penalties including fines, driving bans, and possible imprisonment. The Public Prosecution Service handles prosecution. Early legal advice can significantly impact your case outcome.
What family law options are available in Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland family law covers divorce, separation, child custody, and domestic violence protection. Family proceedings are handled through specialist family courts with specific procedures. Legal aid may be available for qualifying cases.
What are my employment rights in Northern Ireland?
You have rights regarding unfair dismissal, discrimination, redundancy, and workplace safety. Employment disputes can be taken to Industrial Tribunals. Time limits apply, so seek immediate legal advice for employment issues.
How does the Magistrates Court work in Northern Ireland?
Magistrates Courts handle most criminal cases, with lay magistrates or district judges presiding. They deal with summary offences, commit serious cases to Crown Court, and handle some civil matters including licensing applications.
How does Northern Ireland's legal system differ from the rest of the UK?
Northern Ireland has separate legal institutions, different criminal procedure rules, and its own prosecution service. The system blends common law traditions with local legislation, requiring solicitors with specific Northern Ireland expertise.
These answers are general information, not advice about your circumstances. Rules and time limits can change.
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