Northern Ireland Court Structure
The structure of the NI courts: Magistrates' Court, County Court, Crown Court, High Court of NI, NI Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court.
简介
Northern Ireland operates its own court system parallel to (but distinct from) that of England and Wales. The Court of Judicature of Northern Ireland comprises the High Court, the Crown Court, and the Court of Appeal. Civil cases are heard in the County Court (most claims under £30,000) or the High Court. Criminal cases are heard in the Magistrates' Court (summary), the Crown Court (indictable), and on appeal in the Court of Appeal. The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom is the final court of appeal. The Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service administers the courts.
In Brief
NI courts comprise: Magistrates' Court (summary criminal + family); County Court (civil up to £30,000); Crown Court (indictable criminal); High Court of NI (three divisions); NI Court of Appeal. Final appeal lies to the UK Supreme Court. The Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service administers the system.
核心原则
Court of Judicature of NI — High Court, Crown Court, Court of Appeal.
Magistrates' Court — summary criminal jurisdiction; some civil jurisdiction (family proceedings courts).
County Court — civil claims generally up to £30,000; small claims £5,000.
Crown Court — indictable criminal cases; jury trial.
High Court of NI — three divisions: Queen's/King's Bench, Family, Chancery.
NI Court of Appeal — appeals from High Court and Crown Court.
Specialist NI tribunals — Fair Employment Tribunal, Industrial Tribunal, Lands Tribunal for NI.
关键法规
Judicature (Northern Ireland) Act 1978
Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002
重要判例
Re Brigid Hughes' Application
[2018] NICA 33
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the small claims limit in NI?
£5,000 — heard in the small claims regime of the County Court. Procedure is informal and designed for litigants in person.
Can I appeal a Magistrates' Court conviction in Northern Ireland?
Yes. A defendant convicted in the Magistrates' Court has a right of appeal to the County Court (sitting as a judge alone) under Article 140 of the Magistrates' Courts (NI) Order 1981. The appeal is a complete re-hearing of the evidence. Appeals must be lodged within 14 days of the decision being appealed. From the County Court, further appeal lies to the Court of Appeal on a point of law by way of case stated.
Is judicial review available in Northern Ireland?
Yes. Judicial review proceedings in NI are brought in the High Court of Northern Ireland under Order 53 of the Rules of the Court of Judicature, with permission required at a first 'leave' stage. The grounds (illegality, irrationality, procedural impropriety, breach of legitimate expectation, breach of Convention rights under the Human Rights Act 1998) mirror those in England and Wales. The time limit is three months, applied strictly. Most challenges to devolved decisions of the NI Executive are heard in this court.
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