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Single

Jurisdiction in Northern

Ireland.

Background

The Courts and Tribunals Service public consultation "Redrawing the Map: A Consultation on Court Boundaries in Northern Ireland” contained proposals to replace the current rigid statutory framework of court boundaries for County Courts and magistrates’ courts with a single jurisdiction within Northern Ireland underpinned by more flexible administrative arrangements. Stakeholders broadly welcomed the proposals.

Single Jurisdiction reforms will be implemented on 31 October 2016. The legislation to give effect to the single jurisdiction is contained in Part 1 of the Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2015. Under the new arrangements, the jurisdiction of county courts and magistrates courts will no longer be determined by reference to County Court Divisions and Petty Sessions Districts. Instead these courts will exercise jurisdiction throughout Northern Ireland, similar to the way in which the Crown Court already operates.

New Administrative Court Divisions

The existing divisional structure will simultaneously be replaced with three new Administrative Court Divisions (ACDs). These Divisions will not define jurisdiction but rather will determine the area in which court business will ‘usually’ be heard. The three ACDs are:-

North Eastern Division South Eastern Division Western Division.

A map illustrating the geographical make-up of these Divisions has been attached at Annex A.

Page 1 of 20 Although the legislation provides that different ACDs may be created for different types of court business (e.g. police or Public Prosecution Service boundaries for criminal business; Health Trust boundaries for family business) there will in the first instance be one single configuration of ACDs based on combinations of the eleven Local Government Districts for Northern Ireland. This may change in the future following due consideration of the operational impact of a single configuration and its impact upon key service providers and users.

The Listing Direction of the Lord Chief Justice

The Lord Chief Justice has now completed a consultation exercise on his proposed listing direction to operate within a single jurisdiction. You can access the consultation document by visiting www.courtsni.gov.uk and clicking on “Lord Chief Justice Direction: Single Jurisdiction” in the “Key Matters” section. The court venues where cases will be listed will follow the final directions which will shortly be issued by the Lord Chief Justice for Northern Ireland, and will include how cases may transfer from one court venue to another.

We do not envisage that the introduction of single jurisdiction will result a significant shift in business: the vast majority of business will continue to be routinely listed at the current location. However, the new arrangements will afford additional flexibility to list business in a different Division where the judge (or the Lord Chief Justice) determines that there is good reason to do so. The Office of the Lord Chief Justice will wish to monitor the impact of a single jurisdiction following commencement in October and the Lord Chief Justice may choose to further revise his Listing Direction. The introduction of bespoke arrangements for particular types of business (e.g. family business; weekend and public holiday courts; pilot court initiatives etc) is likely to be phased in.

Administrative Court Division Guide

To assist you in identifying the the appropriate ACD and venue for each court tier from 31 October 2016 we have created an ACD Guide for your convenience which is attached at Annex B. Each ACD is sub-divided into new local government district, district electoral area and ward and indicates the venue where the case may be listed for hearing by court tier. Listing court business is a judicial function and as such the Guide will always be subject to judicial discretion.

In order to assist you identify where casework should be sent for processing from 31 October an enhanced ACD Guide will be made available on the NICTS website. To use the on-line guide you will need to enter the name of the ward within which the relevant address is situated. A link to the Planning

Page 2 of 20 Office post code search tool will also be available should you first need to search for the ward in question. This can be done by entering the relevant postcode. However, it is anticipated that in the majority of cases business will continue to be listed at current court venues and therefore the impact of this change should be minimal

Every effort has been made to ensure ACD’s mirror the new local government districts however there are a small number of exceptions where, for business reasons, it has not been practical to do so. Court users will be expected to satisfy themselves that the appropriate ACD has been selected in which to submit documentation from 31 October 2016. However single jurisdiction provides for the transfer of business between divisions and the Listing Direction sets out the criteria to do so.

Please note there are transitional and saving provisions within the legislation which mean that the changes will not invalidate any proceedings which are already commenced or ongoing when the new arrangements come into operation. In the short term where errors are made NICTS staff will endeavour to forward documentation to the correct court venue.

What impact will Single Jurisdiction have?

There will no longer be County Court Divisions or Petty Sessions Districts and all relevant court documents have been amended to reflect this. The words “County Court Division of….” And “Petty Sessions District of……”will no longer appear on any court order or other documentation as court templates have been adapted. An example of what amended orders may look has been attached at Annex C for guidance purposes only. As such court users should also review such references on documents to be lodged in court and make the necessary adjustments. NICTS understand that the transition to a single jurisdiction will take time and as such documentation bearing references to county court divisions and petty sessions districts will continue to be accepted at this time.

A large volume of legislation has also been amended to reflect the new provisions and will come into effect on 31 October also. There will continue to be Clerks of Petty Sessions and Chief Clerks whose designated authority will now extend to all Administrative Court Divisions.

Page 3 of 20 Annex A Map of Northern Ireland Administrative Court Divisions with effect from the 31st October 2016.

Court venues within the Administrative Court Administrative Court Local Government District Division Division

 Antrim  Antrim and North Eastern  *  Laganside Courts  Mid and East Antrim   Armagh, and  Craigavon Craigavon South Eastern  , and  Newry  North Down and and Castlereagh  Lisburn  *Belfast

and Western  Londonderry  Fermanagh and  Mid  Omagh  Strabane * The Belfast Local Government District Wards of Ladybrook, , Lagmore, Poleglass and Twinbrook are in South Eastern ACD.

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Annex B Administrative Court Divisions – Magistrates and County Courts Business Allocation at Single Jurisdiction

South Eastern Administrative Court Division Court Venues – Armagh, Craigavon, Lisburn, Newry, Downpatrick & Newtownards

New Local Magistrates Court District County Court Family Care Family Proceedings Government Wards Venue Youth Court Small Claims Electoral Area Venue Centre Court District (includes Domestic Proceedings Court) Armagh, Armagh Armagh Newry Craigavon Newry Armagh Armagh Banbridge and Cathedral Craigavon Demesne Navan The Mall Armagh, Cusher Armagh Newry Craigavon Newry Armagh Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Richhill Seagahan Armagh, Ballybay Craigavon Craigavon Craigavon Craigavon Craigavon Craigavon Banbridge and Corcrain Craigavon Killycomain Mahon The Birches Armagh, Craigavon Craigavon Craigavon Craigavon Craigavon Craigavon Craigavon Banbridge and Brownlow Craigavon Craigavon Centre Kernan Armagh, Craigavon Craigavon Craigavon Craigavon Craigavon Craigavon Banbridge and Knocknashane Craigavon Lough Road Mourneview Parklake Shankill Armagh, Lagan River Dromore Craigavon Craigavon Craigavon Craigavon Craigavon Craigavon Banbridge and Gransha Craigavon Quilly Armagh, Banbridge Banbridge East Newry Newry Craigavon Newry Newry Newry Banbridge and Banbridge North Craigavon Banbridge South Banbridge West Page 5 of 20 South Eastern Administrative Court Division Court Venues – Armagh, Craigavon, Lisburn, Newry, Downpatrick & Newtownards

New Local Magistrates Court District County Court Family Care Family Proceedings Government Wards Venue Youth Court Small Claims Electoral Area Venue Centre Court District (includes Domestic Proceedings Court) Gilford Newry, Mourne Newry Newry Craigavon Newry Newry Newry and Down Mullaghbane Whitecross Newry, Mourne Newry Abbey Newry Newry Craigavon Newry Newry Newry and Down Ballybot Damolly Drumalane Fathom St.Patrick’s Newry, Mourne Crotlieve Burren Newry Newry Craigavon Newry Newry Newry and Down Derryleckagh Hilltown Newry, Mourne The Mournes Newry Newry Craigavon Newry Newry Newry and Down Binnian Lisnacree

Newry, Mourne Donard Downpatrick Downpatrick Belfast Newtownards Downpatrick Downpatrick and Down Murlough Tollymore

Newry, Mourne Ballydugan Downpatrick Downpatrick Belfast Newtownards Downpatrick Downpatrick and Down Ballyward Dundrum Newry, Mourne Downpatrick Cathedral Downpatrick Downpatrick Belfast Newtownards Downpatrick Downpatrick and Down Knocknashinna Quoile

Page 6 of 20 South Eastern Administrative Court Division Court Venues – Armagh, Craigavon, Lisburn, Newry, Downpatrick & Newtownards

New Local Magistrates Court District County Court Family Care Family Proceedings Government Wards Venue Youth Court Small Claims Electoral Area Venue Centre Court District (includes Domestic Proceedings Court) Newry, Mourne Rowallane Ballynahinch Downpatrick Downpatrick Belfast Newtownards Downpatrick Downpatrick and Down and Derryboy Kilmore North Down and Newtownards Newtownards Belfast Newtownards Newtownards Newtownards Ards Kircubbin Loughries North Down and Newtownards Newtownards Belfast Newtownards Newtownards Newtownards Ards Comber North Comber South Comber West North Down and Newtownards Conway Square Newtownards Newtownards Belfast Newtownards Newtownards Newtownards Ards Cronstown Glen Gregstown Movilla Scrabo West Winds North Down and Bangor East and Ballycrochan Newtownards Newtownards Belfast Newtownards Newtownards Newtownards Ards Ballymagee Donaghadee Silverbirch Warren North Down and Bangor Central Ballygrainey Newtownards Newtownards Belfast Newtownards Newtownards Newtownards Ards Ballyholme Bloomfield Broadway Castle Harbour North Down and Bangor West Bryansburn Newtownards Newtownards Belfast Newtownards Newtownards Newtownards Ards Kilcooley Rathgael Rathmore Silverstream North Down and and Newtownards Newtownards Belfast Newtownards Newtownards Newtownards Clandeboye Page 7 of 20 South Eastern Administrative Court Division Court Venues – Armagh, Craigavon, Lisburn, Newry, Downpatrick & Newtownards

New Local Magistrates Court District County Court Family Care Family Proceedings Government Wards Venue Youth Court Small Claims Electoral Area Venue Centre Court District (includes Domestic Proceedings Court) Ards Helen’s Bay Holywood Loughview Lisburn and Castlereagh Beechill Newtownards Newtownards Belfast Newtownards Newtownards Newtownards Castlereagh South Cairnshill East Carryduff West Galwally Knockbracken Lisburn and Castlereagh East Ballyhanwood Newtownards Newtownards Belfast Newtownards Newtownards Newtownards Castlereagh Carrowreagh Dundonald Enler Graham’s Bridge Lisburn and Killultagh Lisburn Lisburn Craigavon Lisburn Lisburn Lisburn Castlereagh Stoneyford White Mountain Lisburn and Lisburn South Ballymacash Lisburn Lisburn Craigavon Lisburn Lisburn Lisburn Castlereagh Ballymacross Knockmore Old Warren Lisburn and Downshire East Ballymacbrennan Lisburn Lisburn Craigavon Lisburn Lisburn Lisburn Castlereagh Hilhall Lisburn and Downshire West Blaris Lisburn Lisburn Craigavon Lisburn Lisburn Lisburn Castlereagh Hillsborough Lagan Maze Moira Lisburn and Lisburn North Derryaghy Lisburn Lisburn Craigavon Lisburn Lisburn Lisburn Castlereagh Harmony Hill Hilden Lambeg Magheralave Wallace Park Page 8 of 20 South Eastern Administrative Court Division Court Venues – Armagh, Craigavon, Lisburn, Newry, Downpatrick & Newtownards

New Local Magistrates Court District County Court Family Care Family Proceedings Government Wards Venue Youth Court Small Claims Electoral Area Venue Centre Court District (includes Domestic Proceedings Court) Belfast City Collin Ladybrook Lisburn Lisburn Craigavon Lisburn Lisburn Lisburn Dunmurry Lagmore Poleglass Twinbrook

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North Eastern Administrative Court Division Court Venues – Belfast, Antrim, Ballymena, Coleraine and Limavady

Magistrates New Local District Court Venue County Court Family Care Family Proceedings Small Claims Government Wards Youth Court Electoral Area (includes Domestic Venue Centre Court District Proceedings Court) Belfast City Castle Bellevue Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Chichester Park Duncairn Fortwilliam Innisfayle Belfast City Oldpark Ardoyne Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Ballysillan Cliftonville Legoniel New Lodge Water Works Belfast City Court Ballygomartin Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Clonard Falls Forth River Shankill Woodvale Belfast City Andersonstown Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Ballymurphy Beechmount Collin Glen Falls Park Shaw’s Road Turf Lodge Belfast City Collin Stewartstown Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast City Balmoral Belvoir Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Finaghy Malone Musgrave Upper Malone Belfast City Botanic Blackstaff Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Central Ormeau Stranmillis Windsor Belfast City Lisnasharragh Orangefield Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Ravenhill Rosetta

Page 10 of 20 North Eastern Administrative Court Division Court Venues – Belfast, Antrim, Ballymena, Coleraine and Limavady

Magistrates New Local District Court Venue County Court Family Care Family Proceedings Small Claims Government Wards Youth Court Electoral Area (includes Domestic Venue Centre Court District Proceedings Court) Hillfoot Merok Belfast City Ormiston Gilnahirk Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belmont Garnerville Knock Sandown Shandon Stormont Belfast City Titanic Ballymacarrett Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Beersbridge Bloomfield Connswater Sydenham Woodstock Antrim and Dunsilly Cranfield Antrim Antrim Belfast Antrim Antrim Antrim Newtownabbey Parkgate Shilvodan Antrim and Antrim Antrim Centre Antrim Antrim Belfast Antrim Antrim Antrim Newtownabbey Fountain Hill Greystone Springfarm Steeple Stiles Antrim and Airport Aldergrove Antrim Antrim Belfast Antrim Antrim Antrim Newtownabbey Clady Crumlin Mallusk Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Ballyclare East Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Ballyclare West Antrim and Newtownabbey Antrim and Three Mile Water Ballyduff Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Newtownabbey Fairview Monkstown Mossley Rostulla Page 11 of 20 North Eastern Administrative Court Division Court Venues – Belfast, Antrim, Ballymena, Coleraine and Limavady

Magistrates New Local District Court Venue County Court Family Care Family Proceedings Small Claims Government Wards Youth Court Electoral Area (includes Domestic Venue Centre Court District Proceedings Court) Antrim and Macedon Abbey Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Newtownabbey Hill O’Neill Valley Whitehouse Antrim and Ballyhenry Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Newtownabbey Urban Burnthill Carnmoney Collinbridge Glebe Glengormley Hightown Mid and East Knockagh Burleigh Hill Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Antrim Gortalee Sunnylands Woodburn Mid and East Carrick Castle Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Belfast Antrim Castle Love Lane Victoria Mid and East Lough & Ballymena Ballymena Belfast Belfast Ballymena Ballymena Antrim Curran and Inver Whitehead South Mid and East Coast Road Cairncastle Ballymena Ballymena Belfast Belfast Ballymena Ballymena Antrim and Craigyhill Gardenmore The Maidens Mid and East Braid and Harryville Ballymena Ballymena Coleraine Ballymena Ballymena Ballymena Antrim Glenravel Glenwhirry Kells Kirkinriola Mid and East Ballymena Academy Ballymena Ballymena Coleraine Ballymena Ballymena Ballymena Antrim Ardeevin Page 12 of 20 North Eastern Administrative Court Division Court Venues – Belfast, Antrim, Ballymena, Coleraine and Limavady

Magistrates New Local District Court Venue County Court Family Care Family Proceedings Small Claims Government Wards Youth Court Electoral Area (includes Domestic Venue Centre Court District Proceedings Court) Ballykeel Braidwater Castle Demesne Fair Green Park Mid and East Bannside Ballymena Ballymena Coleraine Ballymena Ballymena Ballymena Antrim Galgorm Grange Maine Causeway Coast The Glens Ballycastle Coleraine Coleraine Coleraine Coleraine Coleraine Coleraine and Glens Kinbane and Lurigethan Torr Head and Rathlin Causeway Coast Causeway Atlantic Coleraine Coleraine Coleraine Coleraine Coleraine Coleraine and Glens Dundooan Giant’s Causeway Hopefield and Dunluce Causeway Coast Ballymoney East Coleraine Coleraine Coleraine Coleraine Coleraine Coleraine and Glens Ballymoney North Ballymoney South Clogh Mills Route Causeway Coast Coleraine Churchland Coleraine Coleraine Coleraine Coleraine Coleraine Coleraine and Glens Mountsandel Quarry University Waterside Windy Hall Causeway Coast Bann Coleraine Coleraine Coleraine Coleraine Coleraine Coleraine and Glens Page 13 of 20 North Eastern Administrative Court Division Court Venues – Belfast, Antrim, Ballymena, Coleraine and Limavady

Magistrates New Local District Court Venue County Court Family Care Family Proceedings Small Claims Government Wards Youth Court Electoral Area (includes Domestic Venue Centre Court District Proceedings Court) Causeway Coast Bendradagh Altahullion Limavady Coleraine Coleraine Coleraine Coleraine Limavady and Glens Ballykelly The Domestic Proceedings Court will sit in Coleraine Causeway Coast Limavady Coolessan Limavady Coleraine Coleraine Coleraine Coleraine Limavady and Glens Greystone The Domestic Proceedings Roeside Court will sit in Coleraine

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Western Administrative Court Division Court Venues – Londonderry, Omagh, Dungannon, Enniskillen, Strabane and Magherafelt Magistrates Court Small Claims New Local District Venue County Court Family Proceedings Government Electoral Wards Family Care Centre Youth Court (includes Venue Court District Area Domestic Proceedings Court) Derry and Ballyarnett Carn Hill Londonderry Londonderry Londonderry Londonderry Londonderry Londonderry Strabane Galliagh Shantallow East Skeoge Derry and Foyleside Ballymagroarty Londonderry Londonderry Londonderry Londonderry Londonderry Londonderry Strabane Foyle Springs Madam’s Bank Northland Springtown Derry and The Moor Brandywell Londonderry Londonderry Londonderry Londonderry Londonderry Londonderry Strabane City Walls Creggan Creggan South Sheriff’s Mountain Derry and Waterside Caw Londonderry Londonderry Londonderry Londonderry Londonderry Londonderry Strabane Clondermot Ebrington Kilfennan Lisnagelvin Victoria Derry and Faughan Londonderry Londonderry Londonderry Londonderry Londonderry Londonderry Strabane Eglinton Enagh New Buildings Slievekirk Derry and Sperrin Artigarvan Strabane Omagh Dungannon Omagh Strabane Omagh Strabane Ballycolman Dunnamanagh Glenelly Valley Park Strabane North Strabane West Derry and Derg Castlederg Strabane Omagh Dungannon Omagh Strabane Omagh Strabane Finn Glenderg Newtownstewart Sion Mills Page 15 of 20 Western Administrative Court Division Court Venues – Londonderry, Omagh, Dungannon, Enniskillen, Strabane and Magherafelt Magistrates Court Small Claims New Local District Venue County Court Family Proceedings Government Electoral Wards Family Care Centre Youth Court (includes Venue Court District Area Domestic Proceedings Court) Mid Ulster Carntogher Lower Glenshane Magherafelt Londonderry Londonderry Londonderry Magherafelt Magherafelt Tamlaght O’Crilly Valley Mid Ulster Moyola Magherafelt Londonderry Londonderry Londonderry Magherafelt Magherafelt Mid Ulster Magherafelt Coolshinny Magherafelt Londonderry Londonderry Londonderry Magherafelt Magherafelt Town Parks East Glebe Magherafelt Dungannon Dungannon Dungannon Magherafelt Magherafelt Mid Ulster Dungannon Dungannon Dungannon Dungannon Dungannon Dungannon Cookstown East Cookstown South Cookstown West Loughry Oaklands Pomeroy Mid Ulster Torrent Ardboe Dungannon Dungannon Dungannon Dungannon Dungannon Dungannon North Coalisland South Donaghmore Stewartstown Washing Bay Mid Ulster Dungannon Ballysaggart Dungannon Dungannon Dungannon Dungannon Dungannon Dungannnon Killyman Killymeal Moy Moygashel Mullaghmore Mid Ulster Clogher Augher and Clogher Dungannon Dungannon Dungannon Dungannon Dungannon Dungannon Valley Aughnacloy Ballygawley Caledon Castlecaulfield Fivemiletown Fermanagh Erne West Belcoo and Garrison Enniskillen Enniskillen Dungannon Omagh Enniskillen Enniskillen and Omagh Boho,Cleenish and Page 16 of 20 Western Administrative Court Division Court Venues – Londonderry, Omagh, Dungannon, Enniskillen, Strabane and Magherafelt Magistrates Court Small Claims New Local District Venue County Court Family Proceedings Government Electoral Wards Family Care Centre Youth Court (includes Venue Court District Area Domestic Proceedings Court) Letterbreen Derrygonnelly Derrylin Florence Court and Kinawley Fermanagh Erne North Ballinamallard Enniskillen Enniskillen Dungannon Omagh Enniskillen Enniskillen and Omagh Belleek and Boa Ederney and Kesh Irvinestown Tempo

Fermanagh Enniskillen Castlecoole Enniskillen Enniskillen Dungannon Omagh Enniskillen Enniskillen and Omagh Erne Lisbellaw Lisnarrick Portora Rossorry Fermanagh Erne East Brookeborough Enniskillen Enniskillen Dungannon Omagh Enniskillen Enniskillen and Omagh Lisnaskea Maguiresbridge Newtownbutler Rosslea Fermanagh West Tyrone Dromore Omagh Omagh Dungannon Omagh Omagh Omagh and Omagh Drumquin Fairy Water Fintona Newtownsaville Trillick Fermanagh Omagh Camowen Omagh Omagh Dungannon Omagh Omagh Omagh and Omagh Coolnagard Dergmoney Gortrush Killyclogher Strule Fermanagh Mid Tyrone Beragh Omagh Omagh Dungannon Omagh Omagh Omagh and Omagh Drumnakilly Gortin Owenkillew Sixmilecross Termon

Page 17 of 20 Annex C Examples of pre and post single jurisdiction court orders

County Court Division and Petty Sessions District details will no longer appear here.

Court orders will detail the venue in which they were made!

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County Court Division and Petty Sessions District details will no longer appear here. Defendant Defendant

Court orders will detail the venue in which they were made!

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