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'Do family courts operate under common law'.
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Hugh McCloy
By email only
Our Ref: FOI 016/10 |
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Communications Group
Laganside House 23-27 Oxford Street Belfast BT1 3LA Telephone: (028) 9032 8594 Fax: (028) 9072 8942 |
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4th March 2010 |
Dear Mr McCloy,
SUBJECT: Freedom of Information Request
Thank you for your request for information in which you seek information in respect of the family courts and common law.
Your request was received on 10th February and has been handled under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI).
In order to assist you and aid your understanding it might be best if I provide you with an explanation of our function.
The role of the Northern Ireland Court Service is to:-
provide administrative support for the Northern Ireland courts and judiciary;
enforce civil court judgments through a centralised enforcement service provided by the Enforcement of Judgments Office;
support the Lord Chancellor in discharging his ministerial responsibilities in Northern Ireland, including responsibility for judicial appointments and legal aid; and
provide administrative support for Tribunals.
As the Lord Chancellor's department in Northern Ireland carrying out the functions outlined, regrettably I am not in a position to offer you legal advice in respect of the law governing family proceedings. Other sources of information are available i.e. legal textbooks, on line sources and case law reports but it may be more beneficial if you sought advice from a solicitor.
I have, however, attached the Children Order Advising Committee's Eight Report which you may find useful.
I am sorry I can be of no further assistance in this matter.
If you are dissatisfied with this response you may ask the Court Service to conduct an internal review in relation to your request. A request for an internal review should be addressed to: Patricia Quinn, Information Access Team, Information Centre, Laganside House, 23 -25 Oxford Street, Belfast, BT1 3LA. If following the internal review you remain dissatisfied with the Court Service's treatment of your request then you are entitled to make a complaint to the Information Commissioner. The Information Commissioner's address is Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.
If you have any queries about your request please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.
Yours sincerely
Glynis Crawford
Communications Group
