Ministry of Justice

Responsibilities and Priorities of the Ministry of Justice

At the centre of the legal system is the Ministry of Justice, a significant government
division. They strive to uphold and further the ideals of justice. Their goal is to create a
top-notch justice system that benefits every member of society.

Responsibilities
We are responsible for these parts of the justice
system:
 Courts
 Prisons
 Probation services
 Attendance centres

The organisation works together and with other government departments and agencies
to bring the principles of justice to life for everyone in society, from our civil courts,
tribunals and family law hearings, to criminal justice, prison and probation services. They
work to ensure that sentences are served, and offenders are encouraged to turn their
lives around and become law-abiding citizens.

Priorities
 Protect the public from serious offenders and improve the safety and security of our
prisons
 Reduce reoffending
 Deliver swift access to justice

Structure of the Ministry of Justice

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is a ministerial department of
the United Kingdom Government headed by the Secretary
of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor (a combined
position). Its stated priorities are to reduce re-offending and
protect the public, provide justice access, increase
confidence in the justice system, and uphold people's civil liberties. The Secretary of State
is the minister responsible to Parliament for the judiciary, the court system and prisons
and probation in England and Wales, with some additional UK-wide responsibilities, e.g.,
the UK Supreme Court and judicial appointments by the Crown. The department is also
responsible for areas of constitutional policy not transferred in 2010 to the Deputy Prime
Minister, human rights law and information rights law across the UK.