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04/03/2010
Court Service Consults On 'Cash Limit'
Northern Ireland's Court Service is launching a consultation into a proposal to raise the limit for bringing cases to the County Court from £15,000 to a new £50,000 ceiling.
Other options are an increase to £25,000 or an unlimited jurisdiction.
The consultation exercise is also seeking views on the financial limits of the District Judges’ Court and Small Claims Courts. The County Court jurisdiction was last raised 16 years ago.
Ministry of Justice Minister, Bridget Prentice MP, said: "This is an important issue and we felt it best to launch the consultation now so that the new Northern Ireland Justice Minister will have the opportunity to take an early decision on a matter which could greatly improve access to justice for court users in Northern Ireland.
"The proposal to raise the jurisdictional level would mean cases better suited to a County Court hearing being directed away from the High Court.
"This would speed up the flow of cases coming to both venues and increase access to justice at a more local level," she said.
(BMcC/GK)
Other options are an increase to £25,000 or an unlimited jurisdiction.
The consultation exercise is also seeking views on the financial limits of the District Judges’ Court and Small Claims Courts. The County Court jurisdiction was last raised 16 years ago.
Ministry of Justice Minister, Bridget Prentice MP, said: "This is an important issue and we felt it best to launch the consultation now so that the new Northern Ireland Justice Minister will have the opportunity to take an early decision on a matter which could greatly improve access to justice for court users in Northern Ireland.
"The proposal to raise the jurisdictional level would mean cases better suited to a County Court hearing being directed away from the High Court.
"This would speed up the flow of cases coming to both venues and increase access to justice at a more local level," she said.
(BMcC/GK)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
