PROGRESS on judge-led reforms of areas of the justice system has been detailed to the five main political parties after representatives were invited to the High Court by the Lord Chief Justice.
Sir Declan Morgan chaired the briefing from judges yesterday on "a wide range of matters" including problem solving justice, sentencing, legacy inquests, courtroom technology and digital reforms, vulnerable witnesses and victims, civil justice, commercial court reforms, family justice, and the media in court.
He took the initiative "in the absence of a justice committee and a functioning assembly... (to) engage with political parties".
"Despite there being no functioning assembly, where possible, and where appropriate, judges have taken the initiative to introduce reforms on a wide range of issues relating to the justice system.
"I have always said judicial independence does not mean judicial isolation," he added, describing the engagement as "meaningful".
"My judges and I are happy to take this opportunity to discuss these reforms with the political parties, and also highlight areas where we consider reforms are not possible due to the need for primary legislation."
The chief justice last met the political parties in November 2017 at a similar event.
