The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is a major ministerial department of the Government of the United Kingdom, positioned at the heart of the nation's justice system. Established in May 2007, the department was formed by combining functions from the former Department for Constitutional Affairs and parts of the Home Office. This integration brought together, for the first time, the comprehensive responsibility for the entire justice system, including criminal justice policy, law and constitutional reform, sentencing, courts, prisons, and probation services. The MoJ's core vision is to deliver a world-class justice system that works effectively for everyone in society. Its stated priorities are to reduce re-offending, protect the public, provide access to justice, increase public confidence in the system, and uphold civil liberties.
The department's responsibilities are extensive and primarily cover England and Wales, with some additional UK-wide duties such as overseeing the UK Supreme Court, judicial appointments by the Crown, human rights law, and information rights law. Each year, millions of people interact with its services through a vast network that includes over 300 courts and hearing centres and more than 100 prisons. The MoJ works in close collaboration with numerous agencies and public bodies to bring the principles of justice to life. These include His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS), His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), the Legal Aid Agency, and the Office of the Public Guardian. As one of the largest government departments, employing over 90,000 people, the MoJ plays a pivotal role in maintaining the rule of law and ensuring the fair and effective administration of justice across the nation.
United Kingdom only