Report on the Draft Criminal Justice (NI) Order 2007 : Together with the Minutes of Proceedings, Minutes of Evidence and Written Submissions Relating to the Report First Report

On 8 November 2007, the Northern Ireland Office published for consultation a proposed Draft Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 and asked for comments on the proposals by 31 January 2008.

The 2007 Order, which the Committee was told will be the largest Criminal Justice Order that has ever been introduced in Northern Ireland, covers a wide range of justice, policing and community safety issues.

These are matters that affect the whole of society and many are frequently in the public eye, from the sentencing, release and management of dangerous offenders, through to the disorder caused by drinking in public places and the nuisance caused by quad bikes and mini-scooters.The Committee supported the four key purposes behind the Draft Order as explained by NIO officials: improving provision for the management of dangerous offenders; improving the supervision and rehabilitation of offenders in the community; enhancing public confidence in the criminal justice system.

The Committee sets out 22 recommendations. The publication includes four appendices: Appendix 1 - Minutes of Proceedings; Appendix 2 - Minutes of Evidence; Appendix 3 - Written Submissions and other Correspondence considered by the Committee; and, Appendix 4 - List of Witnesses.