An Administration of Justice Act is a law that governs legal proceedings and relates to judicial proceedings, such as jurisdictional divisions, trial conditions, convictions, and court fees. Legal scholars argue that these acts are vital to the impartial functioning of any modern justice system. The Administration of Justice Act of 1774 was a well-known law that allowed colonial governors to move the trials of royalist officers to Britain if they feared angry colonists would not give them a fair trial, which helped play an important role in shaping the United States justice system.
An Administration of Justice Act is a common title used in the UK and other countries for laws governing legal proceedings. Often called a short title, designating a law as an Administration of Justice Act allows it to be easily classified with similar legislation. There have been a number of laws under this title, passed mainly in England, Scotland, Canada and Northern Ireland.
Acts of administration of justice can handle a wide variety of legislative amendments or additions, but must in some way relate to judicial proceedings. Jurisdictional divisions, trial conditions, convictions, and court fees are some of the considerations generally controlled by such an act. Some may also guide procedural behavior during court cases, including appropriate methods and forms of appeal, for example.
Legal scholars argue that these acts are vital to the impartial functioning of any modern justice system. Without laws dictating how legal procedure should work, much is left open to interpretation and even abuse. The codification of the laws governing the actions of plaintiffs, courts, judicial officials, legal officers and lawyers creates a transparency in the system which allows for the settlement of grievances. The existence of statutes, such as an Administration of Justice Act, is what creates the guidelines and reference book for the functioning of a legal and judicial system.
While there are many well-known laws formed from an Administration of Justice Act, none are perhaps better known than the Administration of Justice Act of 1774. This act arose in the wake of riots in the North American colonies and attempted to regain control over the rapidly dissolving situations that would soon lead to open warfare. While intended to ensure fair trials, the act quickly infuriated restive colonists, who then used it as a primary reason for the Revolutionary War.
The Administration of Justice Act 1774 allowed colonial governors to move the trials of royalist officers to Britain if they feared angry colonists would not give them a fair trial. The colonies rebelled, insisting that the act give British officials carte blanche to commit crimes and then return to England without penalty, since few colonists could afford to travel overseas to see justice served. Together with many other rules, this 1774 statute became known as the Intolerable Acts and together they constituted the main reasons given for the permanent rebellion. Outrage over the Administration of Justice Act of 1774 helped play an important role in shaping the United States justice system. The right of individuals to a fair trial and due process became a vital component in the cherished principles of the new country.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
