NI justice30 Jun 2026Bid to raise minimum age of criminal responsibility formally failsUnionist parties opposed to increasing the age from 10 to 14 in most cases had deployed a veto known as a petition of concern.30 Jun 202624 Jun 2026Donaldson trial 'struck blow' against culture that 'didn't hear women'The handling of the child sex abuse trial of Jeffrey Donaldson shows that changes to the way such cases are dealt with have been "monumental", a retired judge says.24 Jun 202623 Jun 2026Teacher child abuse survivor praises Donaldson victims as 'warriors'Nicola Bannon said she was "lucky" that new special measures were in place in Northern Ireland to deal with serious sexual offence cases.23 Jun 202619 Jun 2026Barristers to end strike over criminal legal aidThe strike meant no Crown Court cases involving people who require legal aid could proceed.19 Jun 202616 Jun 2026Burrows denies 'deals done' to block NI minimum criminal age riseThe Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) had tabled a petition of concern, which requires 30 signatures from at least two parties. 16 Jun 202615 Jun 2026Move to raise NI minimum criminal age to 14 blockedThe Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) had tabled a petition of concern, which requires 30 signatures from at least two parties. 15 Jun 20267 Jun 2026Should smacking children be illegal? Proposal to change law droppedNorthern Ireland is one of two places in the UK and Ireland to not have outlawed smacking children.7 Jun 20263 Jun 2026Questions for Ulster Unionists over NI minimum criminal age moveA petition of concern would need at least four UUP signatures in order to pass, as backing from 25 DUP MLAs and one TUV MLA would not meet the threshold.3 Jun 202621 May 2026Front-line services in 'crisis situation' without a budget - Long The executive has failed to reach final agreement on the draft budget which was published in January.21 May 2026...
