NORTHERN Ireland's judiciary stands ready to impartially deal with any challenges to emerge from Troubles legacy proposals, the new Lady Chief Justice has pledged.
In a speech to mark the opening of the legal year, Dame Siobhan Keegan detailed her vision for avoiding delayed trials and unnecessary evidence-giving strain on victims.
She told guests at the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast of her "immense privilege" at becoming the first woman to head the judiciary in the region.
Despite remote hearings continuing during the pandemic, a backlog of Crown Court jury trials has developed.
Dame Siobhan said two extra courts will be available from next month as part of steps towards increasing capacity.
Planned reforms include early engagement between prosecution and defence representatives supported by judicial case management.
"Most importantly, however, it will also mean a victim will no longer be at risk of having to give their evidence other than for a trial," she said.
She said early dispute resolution in wider legal proceedings will deliver human and financial savings.
Taking over from Sir Declan Morgan, Dame Siobhan becomes the tenth Chief Justice in Northern Ireland's 100-year history.
Prior to her elevation she acted as presiding coroner, hearing the inquest into the killing of 10 people in shootings involving the British Army at Ballymurphy, west Belfast in 1971 - ruling earlier this year the soldiers' use of force was not justified.
The British government's latest plans to deal with the legacy of the Troubles by ending prosecutions, inquests and civil actions have seen fierce opposition from victims and survivors.
Dame Siobhan's colleague Mr Justice Humphreys takes over as presiding coroner, leading the handling of legacy litigation cases, which she described as "a complicated and politically sensitive area, particularly given the proposals to address the legacy of the troubles in Northern Ireland announced in July".
"While that debate may continue the judiciary, as a body independent of the executive or legislature, will continue to perform our duty and deal with the cases before us."
She said "there are many difficult and complex issues to face whether related to legacy, Brexit or social issues", but said judges "will deal with whatever challenges come before them and we will ensure that we do that impartially and in the most effective way".
The Lady Chief Justice paid tribute to Sir Declan, who is retiring after 12 years "outstanding" service: "His accomplishments and successes as head of the judiciary in Northern Ireland have positively influenced the full breadth of the justice system for the benefit of all who engage with the courts."
Dame Siobhan vowed to ensure high professional standards and independence is maintained.
"Taking on the role as head of the judiciary in Northern Ireland is an immense privilege. I have as my guide the rule of law," she said.
Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland QC attended the ceremony, describing it as "a poignant moment" to have a woman leading the judiciary of any UK nation for the first time.
"It is not just a proud moment for her, but for each of us - that what qualifies a person to lead the judiciary in our country today is nothing more and nothing less than the content of their career in the law and the breadth of their experience both in practice and on the bench.
"These are what make a great Chief Justice and I know that Dame Siobhan will be a wise and able steward of the judiciary here in Northern Ireland."
