About us

The Ministry of Justice is a major government department, at the heart of the justice system. We work to protect and advance the principles of justice. Our vision is to deliver a world-class justice system that works for everyone in society.

Responsibilities

We are responsible for these parts of the justice system:

  • Courts
  • Prisons
  • Probation services
  • Attendance centres

The organisation works together and with other government departments and agencies to bring the principles of justice to life for everyone in society. From our civil courts, tribunals and family law hearings, to criminal justice, prison and probation services. We work to ensure that sentences are served and offenders are encouraged to turn their lives around and become law-abiding citizens. We believe the principles of justice are pivotal and we are steadfast in our shared commitment to uphold them.

Our priorities

  • Protect the public from serious offenders and improve the safety and security of our prisons
  • Reduce reoffending
  • Deliver swift access to justice

Read our Outcome Delivery Plan to find out more about how we will deliver our priority outcomes, how we will measure our success, and how we will ensure we continuously improve.

Who we are

Each year, millions of people use our services across the UK - including at over 300 courts and hearing centres, and over 100 prisons in England and Wales. We work with many other government agencies, including:

  • Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service
  • Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority
  • HM Courts and Tribunals Service
  • Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service
  • Legal Aid Agency
  • Office of the Public Guardian
  • Youth Justice Board

Corporate information

Access our information

Jobs and contracts

Read about the types of information we routinely publish in our Publication scheme. Our Personal information charter explains how we treat your personal information.

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