MAGISTRATES’ AND YOUTH COURT PRACTICE DIRECTION

No. 3 of 2009

TARGET TIME FOR CRIMINAL CASES IN THE MAGISTRATES’ AND YOUTH COURTS

1.         This direction sets out the Lord Chief Justice’s target times for criminal cases in the magistrates’ and youth courts.  The target times amend and replace existing targets set by the Northern Ireland Court Service.

2.         The target time for summons cases for adult defendants in the magistrates’ courts shall be 9 weeks from the date of first listing to      disposal.

3.         The target time for charge sheet cases for adult defendants in the magistrates’ courts shall be 9 weeks from the date on which the           Public Prosecution Service decision papers are served to disposal.

4.         The target time for summons cases for youth court defendants shall be 12 weeks from the date of first listing to finding.

5.         The target time for charge sheet cases for youth court defendants shall be 12 weeks from the date on which the Public Prosecution  Service decision papers are served to finding.

6.         An assigned District Judge will keep under review the progress of individual cases within his or her District. 

7.         The target times in this Practice Direction will be kept under review.

8.         This Practice Direction will come into effect on 6 April 2009. 

Lord Chief Justice

2 April 2009