7 Arguments for change
Basic Purpose Information Recovery
Basic Purpose of Information Recovery
The Commissioner for Information Recovery and Thematic Cases would conduct a process of information recovery, using both formal and informal means, to establish answers to unresolved questions of importance to victims’ families concerning the circumstances which resulted in death. Like the work of the HET, this process would aim to assist [...]
Recommendations of the commission
CHAPTER 7 | Legal Processes: The Arguments for Change
The Case for Change
On the basis of its consultation, the Group does not believe that the present legal processes are fully meeting society’s needs. There is a tendency to re-fight the conflict through the courts; to pursue truth through litigation; to deal with the past without a [...]
Justice and Truth
Justice
Many families to whom the Group spoke still have an understandable desire to see someone prosecuted for causing or contributing to their relative’s death. The Group understands this desire for penal justice and wishes to keep this avenue open. It therefore proposes that the process of reviewing and investigating historical cases should continue.
However, the conduct of investigation needs to [...]
Building for the Future
At present, conducting and servicing investigations into historical cases place huge demands upon the police and other services. Representatives of those services, whom the Group has consulted, say that the diversion of their resources into the past makes it difficult to deal with current needs, such as present-day murders and the current security threat. It [...]
→ Read moreA Balanced Approach
The Group’s proposal for a Commission adopts a balanced approach between justice, truth and reconciliation. The Group recommends a Northern Ireland specific solution.
The Group recognises the considerable achievements of the last ten years, starting with the Agreement and leading to devolved government. But these achievements must be consolidated, the institutions of the future must build [...]
