The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Justice is responsible for the country’s justice system, ensuring that it is fair, transparent, and accessible to all.
The Lord Chancellor, The Right Honourable Shabana Mahmood KC MP, heads the Ministry of Justice as the Secretary of State for Justice.
The Ministry of Justice role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including the provision of legal services, the management of the court system, and the oversight of the country’s prisons and probation services.
The Ministry of Justice is not responsible for the regulation of the legal profession in England and Wales. This function is carried out by the independent regulatory bodies, such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board
The history of the Ministry of Justice can be traced back to the Magna Carta
The Magna Carta, also known as the Great Charter, is one of the most important legal documents in history. It was originally issued by King John of England in 1215, in response to the demands of rebellious barons who sought to limit the power of the monarch.
The Magna Carta established the principle that everyone, including the king, is subject to the law, and it protected basic rights such as the right to a fair trial and the right to due process.
Over time, the Magna Carta was revised and reissued by various kings, and it became a symbol of individual liberty and the rule of law. The version of the Magna Carta that is most commonly referenced today is the one issued by King Edward I in 1297.
Of the original 63 clauses in the Magna Carta, only four have survived into modern law. These are clauses 1, 13, 39, and 40.
Clause 1 establishes the principle that the English Church is free from interference by the king. It states that “the Church of England shall be free, and shall have its rights undiminished, and its liberties unimpaired.”
Clause 13 provides for the seizure of property by the king only if it is done in accordance with the law. It states that “No man shall be taken or imprisoned, or disseised of his freehold, or liberties, or free customs, or outlawed, or exiled, or in any way destroyed, nor will we go upon him nor send upon him, except by the lawful judgment of his peers or by the law of the land.”
Clause 39 establishes the principle of due process, stating that “No free man shall be seized or imprisoned, or stripped of his rights or possessions, or outlawed or exiled, or deprived of his standing in any other way, nor will we proceed with force against him, or send others to do so, except by the lawful judgment of his equals or by the law of the land.”
Finally, Clause 40 establishes the right to a fair trial, stating that “To no one will we sell, to no one will we deny or delay, right or justice.”
Together, these surviving clauses represent the enduring legacy of the Magna Carta, and they continue to influence modern legal systems around the world.
In the Crime, Justice and Law section of the gov.uk website, the government regularly publish justice information and statistics as part of the Justice System Transparency
The Ministry of Injustice is not the Ministry of Justice nor is it affiliated in any way with the justice system, legal profession, police or any other law enforcement agencies.
Latest Articles ↓
- What are Judges Lodgings ?
The provision of judges’ lodgings is a longstanding feature of… Read more: What are Judges Lodgings ? - What is Two Tier Policing ?
The BBC describes so-called “two-tier policing” as where right-wing protests… Read more: What is Two Tier Policing ? - Lawful Use of Handcuffs by the Police
Handcuffs are a standard restraint tool used by police officers… Read more: Lawful Use of Handcuffs by the Police - His Honour Judge Nicholas Rowland
Judge Nicholas Edward Rowland, known as His Honour Judge Nicholas… Read more: His Honour Judge Nicholas Rowland - Police Barred and Advisory Lists
The police barred and advisory lists, which are managed by… Read more: Police Barred and Advisory Lists - President of the Family Division
The President of the Family Division is a highly esteemed… Read more: President of the Family Division - Is Crimestoppers Anonymous ?
Crimestoppers is widely promoted as the United Kingdom’s leading provider… Read more: Is Crimestoppers Anonymous ? - What is a Court Legal Adviser ?
In magistrates’ courts across England and Wales, lay justices (magistrates… Read more: What is a Court Legal Adviser ? - What is a Skeleton Argument ?
A skeleton argument is a concise written document prepared by… Read more: What is a Skeleton Argument ? - Can you Buy a Judge ?
His Honour Judge Martin John Cook was for sale, in… Read more: Can you Buy a Judge ? - Norwich Pharmacal Orders and Dodgy Fire Sticks
Norwich Pharmacal orders (NPOs) are a form of court-ordered disclosure… Read more: Norwich Pharmacal Orders and Dodgy Fire Sticks - What is a Statutory Instrument ?
A statutory instrument is the most common form of secondary… Read more: What is a Statutory Instrument ?
Most Popular ↓
You should always seek formal legal advice from a qualified and reputable lawyer (solicitor or barrister).
There are a number of links to Free and Paid For Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on the Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.
[post_title] was last updated on the 9th June 2026
