MORE civil cases could be heard in county courts across Northern Ireland, with plans to increase the range of personal injury and defamation claims among options being considered.
Justice minister Naomi Long has launched a public consultation on increasing the jurisdiction of county courts.
It could result in an increase in the financial boundaries which currently dictate which court hears civil claims, including expensive personal injury and breach of contract cases.
The minister said the county courts already "play an important role in the administration of justice for individuals and businesses".
"I want the system for making civil claims to be as efficient as possible by ensuring that cases are heard in the right court setting, consistent with their complexity and relative value.
"This consultation proposes options on the level of increase to the jurisdiction of county court and district judges which would move certain cases from the High Court in the future.
"The consultation also seeks views on increasing the jurisdiction of the small claims court, which is designed to quickly bring resolution for citizens involved in lower value cases.
"I would encourage those who have an interest to take part in this consultation.”
It is also considering increasing county court jurisdiction for defamation cases to £10,000 and the possibility of them hearing some higher value clinical negligence cases.
The proposals could also see county court judges able to pass some cases straight to the High Courts.
The consultation runs until April 30 and can be accessed at www.justice-ni.gov.uk/consultations.
