EFRJ Submission on Northern Ireland’s Criminal Justice Bill

Recently, the European Forum for Restorative Justice (EFRJ) submitted feedback to the Northern Ireland Department of Justice on the proposed Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc.) Bill. The submission process was led by Lucy Jaffé, with the contribution drafted by Laura Hein on behalf of the EFRJ.

The EFRJ believes that restorative justice can play an important role in responding to harm in ways that centre dialogue, participation and repair, and therefore submitted recommendations to the Northern Ireland Department of Justice to strengthen its role within the Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc.) Bill.

Restorative justice processes place those affected by harm at the centre, helping to empower victims by ensuring their voices are heard and meaningfully included in responses to crime.

Through structured and voluntary encounters, restorative justice can reduce the emotional impact of harm by enabling recognition, understanding, and where appropriate, repair. It also supports accountability and can contribute to addressing underlying causes of offending, with the aim of reducing reoffending.

Beyond the individuals directly involved, restorative justice can also engage communities in processes of repair and prevention, strengthening shared responsibility for responding to harm.

The EFRJ’s main recommendation to the Northern Ireland Department of Justice is to ensure that restorative justice is embedded across the criminal justice system, including at sentencing. It should be recognised not only as an alternative option, but as a core approach that supports accountability, repair, and stronger community responses to harm.

To support this, restorative justice should be more clearly integrated into the proposed Bill, particularly for Suspended Sentence Orders. Courts should consider restorative justice in sentencing decisions, with the option to refer cases for suitability assessments and allow time for restorative processes where appropriate. Participation must remain voluntary, and access should be available at different stages of proceedings, including after a breach of a suspended sentence.

The submission also suggests exploring an adapted use of Diversionary Youth Conferencing for adults, building on Section 58 of the 2002 Act. Evidence from youth conferencing shows higher victim satisfaction, reduced court time, and lower reoffending.

Each case should be assessed individually, with clear safeguards and trained facilitators to ensure fairness, quality, and victim participation. Also, effective implementation depends on strong support structures, including sufficient service capacity, consistent accreditation and oversight, and clear professional standards within the wider justice framework.

The EFRJ strongly welcomes this opportunity to contribute expertise on restorative justice, sentencing principles, and community-based approaches.  Are you an EFRJ member, partners and stakeholder? Are you aware of good practice and legislative frameworks that include restorative justice in the context of the bill?  

Please submit your views and experience by completing the survey below before 22^nd May. 

Your voice and experiences are essential in shaping a justice system that is fair, human centred and effective. Thank you for completing the survey!