Family Law

The Prime Minister announced in a written Ministerial statement of 29 March, 'Machinery of Government', changes to the Home Office and the Department for Constitutional Affairs. A new Ministry of Justice will be established, with the National Offender Management Service and lead responsibility for criminal law and sentencing policy being transferred from the Home Office to the Department for Constitutional Affairs. The change will take effect from 9 May 2007. The Ministry of Justice will be responsible for policy on the overall criminal, civil, family and administrative justice system, including sentencing policy, as well as the courts, tribunals, legal aid and constitutional reform. Responsibility for the Crown Prosecution Service and the other prosecuting authorities will remain with the Attorney General.