Publications

NIHRC submission to the Department of Justice engagement paper on pro bono costs orders 2021

Date produced September 2021.

Below is a summary of the recommendations.

You can also download the full document through the links provided.

The NI Human Rights Commission:

• The NIHRC recommends that the Department of Justice proceeds with the introduction of pro bono costs orders as a mechanism for helping to improve access to justice and maintain equality of arms in the NI legal system. It should do so in consultation with relevant stakeholders such as the Law Society NI, the Bar Council and other relevant organisations.

• The NIHRC recommends that funds raised from pro bono costs orders should be channelled to an existing voluntary organisation or public body that has expertise in providing assistance with pro bono legal representation.

• NIHRC recommends that the development of pro bono legal assistance from the private and voluntary sectors should complement rather than replace or supplant a comprehensive and effective legal aid system.