Judicature (Northern Ireland) Act 1978

16 General jurisdiction of the High Court and its judges

(1) The High Court shall be a superior court of record.

(2) There shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, be exercisable by the High Court—

(a) all such jurisdiction as was heretofore capable of being exercised by the High Court of Justice in Northern Ireland",

(b) such other jurisdiction as is conferred by this Act or as may from time to time be conferred on the High Court by any subsequent statutory provision.

(3) The jurisdiction vested in the High Court shall, save as provided by this Act, include the jurisdiction heretofore capable of being exercised by the High Court of Justice in Northern Ireland or by any division or judge or officer thereof in pursuance of any statutory provision, prerogative, law or custom and also all ministerial and other powers, duties and authorities incident to any and every part of the jurisdiction so vested.

(4) In addition to the jurisdiction and functions exercisable by him under or by virtue of any other provision of this Act, the Lord Chief Justice may, save as provided by this Act, exercise all the jurisdiction and ministerial and other powers, duties and authorities which, in pursuance of any statutory provision, prerogative, law or custom, were heretofore capable of being exercised by the Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland otherwise than as a judge of the High Court or Court of Appeal.

(5) Except where a statutory provision otherwise provides, any jurisdiction of the High Court or a division thereof shall be exercised by a single judge.

(6) The generality of this section is not limited by any other provision of this Act.