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

The Justice Reform (Amendment) Bill 2025 (JRAB)¹ has been much anticipated by the agencies whose work supports the operation of the Criminal Justice System, and who are governed by the legislation addressed within the Justice Reform Act 2021, and within this Bill.

Alongside preparation of the JRAB, it has become ever clearer that any deficiencies are also important to be addressed within existing provisions in relation to contempt of court. This harmonises with many of the principles which the JRAB proposes, especially in relation to preclusion of the reporting of proceedings where this is not appropriate, and in ensuring that suitable standards are maintained by parties within the Criminal Justice System. Therefore, the Contempt of Court Bill 2025 is published for consultation alongside the JRAB.

As I wrote in March 2022, on planning for implementation of the Justice Reform Act 2021 (PDF opens in a new tab), the changes within the Justice Reform Act 2021 represent an important step on the road to modernisation of the Criminal Justice System. The work on implementing the core elements of the Justice Reform Act 2021 highlighted certain areas where some refinement and review was needed to ensure effective implementation.

Therefore, JRAB brings these proposed improvements. In addition, work with stakeholders identified some additional improvements that enable further modernisation and reform of the Criminal Justice System and we have taken the opportunity to progress these within the JRAB. 

Doubtless, there is more work to be done. And the Department intends to continue with its programme of modernisation and improvement, which will see the bringing of a Sentencing Bill in due course, and the addressing of other matters which have been identified during the course of this parliamentary administration. These wider issues include youth justice, any further legislative underpinning to support problem-solving courts ² (PDF opens in a new tab), and general wider enhancement of legislation to support diversion away from custody, where appropriate.

The Department has a number of active work streams in relation to the Criminal Justice System, details of which can be found within the Department Plan (DHA)³ (opens in a new tab).

In closing, I am grateful to the agencies of the Criminal Justice System, who continue to work in partnership with the Department, and have engaged on the preparation of the JRAB. Their input has been invaluable in establishing operational and technical understanding of that System.

Furthermore, I offer thanks in advance to all consultees who take this opportunity to participate and offer their views on the JRAB and on the Contempt of Court Bill 2025. 

Hon Jane Poole-Wilson, MHK
Minister for Justice and Home Affairs                                                              
16 September 2025

¹ Note that the title of the Bill will be changed pre-introduction in the branches of Tynwald. Please see section 4 to this consultation document for more details.

²These have been trialled in various jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom. A small change is proposed to the SJA1989, to insert a fresh s.23A in respect of deferment of sentencing to seek to facilitate the use of problem-solving courts on Island in the near future. See section 7.4 of this consultation for more details.

³The 2025/26 plan will shortly be available by following the highlighted link, or by reference to the Tynwald Register of business (opens in a new tab).