(Order 1) Justice Act 2024

Legislative Branch


(Order 1) Justice Act 2024
EXPLANATORY NOTES
This Order, by the Prime Minister, shall amend the structure of the Ministry of Justice to create a functioning ministerial department capable of overseeing and managing the justice process in the United Kingdom and ensuring the law is upheld.

[AS INTRODUCED]
A
BILL
TO

An Order by the Prime Minister to amend the Justice Act

BE IT ENACTED by the King’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

1     Order 1

  1. Section 1 and 2 of the Justice Act 2024 is hereby amended as follows—
    1. The Ministry of Justice
      1. There shall be a Ministry of Justice which shall be a ministerial department made up of the following—
        1. The Secretary of State for Justice (5iC),
        2. The Attorney General (6iC);
        3. Barristers (8iC)
        4. SQE Certified Solicitors (9iC)
          1. Barristers and SQE certified Solicitors remain in the Judiciary and additionally operate in the Ministry of Justice. 
      2. The Ministry of Justice shall be responsible for—
        1. Managing the Solicitor Qualifying Examinations (SQE);
        2. Executing the verdicts ordered in disciplinary, committal and appeal hearings
        3. Managing Settlement meetings and actioning outcomes;
        4. Representing employees of the United Kingdom who are the plaintiff, respondent or defendant in hearings upon request. 
        5. Investigating breaches of law by employees of the United Kingdom;
        6. Prosecuting breaches of law by employees of the United Kingdom;
        7. Discharging any other duties assigned by the Prime Minister or by statute law. 
      3. In the absence of the Secretary of State for Justice or in cases of conflict of interest, the duties and powers of the ministry shall be exercised by the Attorney General.
        1. If the Attorney General is also absent or in cases of conflict of interest, the duties and powers of the ministry shall be exercised by a King’s Counsel, appointed to do so by the Prime Minister.
      4. The Secretary of State for Justice, Attorney General and any King’s Counsel shall, upon appointment take an oath, to ensure impartiality.
        1. The wording of the oath shall be: “I, do swear that I will do right to all manner of people after the laws and usages of this Realm, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.”
        2. If the employee refuses to take the oath their appointment shall be reversed.
        3. Breaching this oath shall be a Class B crime.
  2. Investigative Authority
    1. The Ministry of Justice shall have jurisdiction over investigations which relate to breaches of the statute law of the United Kingdom, except for treason, terrorism, and espionage.
      1. The Ministry of Justice shall administer an oath to any employees being questioned as part of an investigation and must inform them of the consequences of lying or providing false information.
      2. At the conclusion of an investigation the Attorney General shall request a Disciplinary Hearing on the matter.
    2. The Ministry of Justice shall have power to issue subpoenas.
      1. Subpoenas shall be a written directive commanding a person or entity to—
        1. Produce documents or information in an investigation or hearing;
        2. Provide testimony in an investigation or hearing;
      2. If an entity is subpoenaed, it shall be the leader of the entity who shall comply with the subpoenas, or, in their absence, their deputy.