The Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 1994

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order—

(a) increases fines and certain other sums specified in statutory provisions relating to the powers of criminal courts;

(b) sets out the terms of imprisonment which may be imposed by the Crown Court for default in payment of fines and increases the terms of imprisonment which may be imposed by magistrates' courts for default in payment of fines;

(c) revises the procedures for the enforcement of fines imposed on companies;

(d) further standardises fines specified in subordinate legislation made under statutory provisions relating to the powers of criminal courts;

(e) enables harbour authorities to provide for increased fines in subordinate legislation;

(f) revises the power of the Secretary of State to alter fines and other sums to take account of changes in the value of money;

(g) makes fresh provision with respect to forfeiture and compensation orders;

(h) makes further provision with respect to anonymity in cases of rape and similar cases; and

(i) makes provision with respect to anonymity in cases of other sexual offences.