Shadow Civil Justice Council

Background

The Lord Chief Justice and Lord Justice Gillen launched the reports from a major review of the civil and family justice systems on 5th September 2017.  In the absence of Ministers, the Lord Chief Justice agreed with the Permanent Secretaries of the Department of Justice and the Department of Finance that a shadow Civil Justice Council, and shadow Family Justice Board, should be established as an interim step. The establishment of the shadow Council was announced by the Lord Chief Justice in his public address at the opening of the new legal year on 5th September 2017.

Terms of Reference

Minutes of the Council

Consultations

The shadow Civil Justice Council have launched a consultation on a draft Code of Conduct for McKenzie Friends and a revised Practice Note for McKenzie Friends 03/2012. The Council having considered recommendations CJ 96, CJ 97 and CJ 98 in the Civil Justice Report hope that a draft Code of Conduct will ensure appropriate control on the use of McKenzie Friends and if followed in conjunction with the proposed revised Practice Note 03/2012 will enable a McKenzie Friend to be of assistance to the court. If you would like to respond to this consultation you can do so by e-mail to LCJOReform@courtsni.gov.uk the consultation will close on 22nd January 2024.

Advisory Group

An Advisory Group to the Shadow Civil Justice Council was established to allow stakeholder organisations to provide their input to the work of the shadow Council and to reflect the views of particular interest groups. The Advisory Group is chaired by a designated member of the shadow Council and meets at least twice a year.

Minutes of the Advisory Group