As the Northern Ireland Assembly edges closer to the end of its current mandate, the Executive has unveiled a streamlined justice legislative programme for 2025–26. Introduced by deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, the Executive has decided to bring forward two key Bills: The Sentencing Bill and the Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill. While modest in number, these proposals alongside the Justice Bill, Race Equality Bill and Cara Hunter MLA’s Victims of Sexual Crimes Trauma Mitigation Private Members Bill, reflect targeted efforts to improve protections for vulnerable individuals and streamline legal processes in an already backlogged court system.
This legislative justice programme, as quoted by Stewart Dickson MLA, is “remarkably light on legislation”, but there is a plethora of changes to be expected within each bill which will undoubtedly impact the legal sector in Northern Ireland.
Sentencing Bill:
• To be introduced late 2025.
• This bill will incorporate Charlotte’s law into its statute, which will: implement stronger sentences for those who refuse to reveal the location of their victims’ bodies; potential incentives for those that cooperate with recovery of victims; and other possible incentives from the consultation process.
• The bill will also establish a statutory aggravator model for perpetrators of hate crime, ensuring motivating factors are reflected in sentencing.
Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill:
• Currently in its pre-legislative phase, it follows a public consultation on the Draft Victims and Witnesses of Crime Strategy 2025–2030.
• This bill will prohibit the in-person cross-examination of victims of hate crimes to protect those who have come forward and tackle the re-traumatisation of victims within the justice system.
• The bill will also establish the post of Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses of Crime, who will be able to be a key support to victims and witnesses engaging with the justice system.
Outside of the legislative justice programme, there are other pieces of legislation making their way through the chamber that will undoubtedly reshape law and order in Northern Ireland if confirmed.
Victims of Sexual Crimes Trauma Mitigation Bill
• Currently in its Consultation Phase.
• This Private Member’s Bill tabled by Cara Hunter MLA proposes to create a more victim-centred system and will likely compliment the Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill.
• This Bill proposes measures such as the grant of automatic access to Sexual Offences Legal Advisers (SOLAs); the choice to give Victim Statements online or in court, and free access to their cases’ sentencing remarks which could positively impact the number of victims actively and safely reporting.
Justice Bill
• Currently in its Committee Stage.
• This Bill impacts several areas within the legal system that will redevelop key areas of law and sentencing, whilst complementing other legislation as mentioned above.
• The bill aims to: amend retention periods for biometric material; make changes to bail and custody arrangements for children and young people; improve services for victims and witnesses; and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of aspects of the justice system.
Race Equality Bill
• Announced by the Executive Office and in its pre-legislative stage, the Bill comes at a critical time when Northern Ireland’s race hate crime figures are at their all time highest.
• This Bill seeks strengthen racial equality protections in Northern Ireland by addressing critical gaps in the Race Relations Order 1997, such as the absence of provisions for online harassment, and by ensuring the Executive fulfils its obligations under Article 2 of the Windsor Framework.
• This bill complements the goals of the Racial Equality Strategy 2015–2025, which was reviewed in 2024 and seeks to address gaps in racial equality legislation highlighted by the Equality Commission, such as the extension of protections and widening of racial scope.
As key legislative proposals work their way through or are on the brink of being announced, it is imperative for the legal sector to understand how these changes to the justice system will impact their work. As Northern Ireland moves towards stronger sentencing and a victim-centred system, the law and its personnel must be up to date and be aware of any changes to the legal sector.