Justice Reform (Amendment) Bill 2025 and Contempt of Court Bill 2025

Overview

The Department of Home Affairs is seeking views on two proposed Bills, the draft Justice Reform (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the draft Contempt of Court Bill 2025.

The two draft Bills are offered for public consultation now, for a period of 5 weeks, in order that views can be received on these key pieces of legislation prior to their progression through the legislative branches before the end of this parliamentary period.

Both Bills are already included within the Legislative Plan found within the Island Plan (opens in a new tab), and detail of the Bills themselves, and the changes they propose to make, are set out within the consultation document that can either be downloaded in full from the link below, or referred to within the immersive Online Survey.

To ensure that the consultation content is accessible, the consultation document sets out a brief overview of the Justice Reform Act 2021 and its contents. Separate detail regarding the proposed changes to the Justice Reform Act 2021, as set out within the Justice Reform (Amendment) Bill 2025, along with key issues, or of other fresh policy proposals offered for consideration as part of this consultation, are also included within the consultation.

A separate section of the consultation sets out detail in relation to the proposed Contempt of Court Bill 2025.

Why your views matter

A functional Criminal Justice System is critical to maintain safety and public order. We want to make sure that the Island’s Criminal Justice System is efficient and effective, and that, where suitable modernisations or improvements have been identified, these are made. 

All feedback will be collated to identify any potential concerns and to ensure that the views of the agencies that support the operation of the Criminal Justice System and those of key stakeholders and interested parties are considered. Views provided may help shape future actions or identify additional changes that are needed to help finalise these Bills in order that they can begin their legislative progression.

Reasonable adjustments and alternative formats

The Department is committed to equal opportunities and our aim is to make our documents easy to use and accessible to all.

We will take steps to accommodate any reasonable adjustments and provide such assistance as you may reasonably require to enable you to access or reply to this consultation.

If you would like to receive this document in another format or need assistance with accessing or replying to this consultation, please email GeneralEnquiries.DHA@gov.im or telephone +44 1624 694306.

Responding to this consultation and questions

You can respond to this consultation online by clicking on the 'Online survey' link below. Alternatively you can download a paper version of this consultation in the 'Related' section below and email it to GeneralEnquiries.DHA@gov.im or post it to:

Shelley Walker, Administration and Policy Manager,
DHA Headquarters Building,
Tromode Road,
Douglas,
Isle of Man,
IM2 5PA

Supporting documents

Please ensure to view and download the documents available within the dropdown below prior to entering the consultation as these provide more information in regards to the changes proposed by this consultation. Should you need to access these documents again while responding to this consultation, please open this page in a new tab or window.

Bills

'As amended' Acts