In order to implement the Good Friday Agreement, responsibilities for justice were devolved[1] The Act is the final product of the Criminal Justice Review.

[2] Full implementation of the Act was delayed due to the period of Direct Rule during 2002-2007.

[3] The Act also transfers the power to remove or suspend a person holding a listed judicial office, so that it is now exercisable by the Lord Chief Justice.

[13] At the time, there was some discomfort with the concept of "lay magistrate" among justices of the peace.

[14] The youth justice measures have two types of disposal:[15] The use of community sentences and youth conferences reduced the rate of reoffending.