Terrorism (Northern Ireland) Act 2006 facts for kids
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| Long title | An Act to provide for Part 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 to continue in force for a limited period after 18 February 2006 subject to modifications and to authorise the making of provision in connection with its ceasing to have effect; and for connected purposes. |
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| Citation | 2006 c 4 |
| Territorial extent | Northern Ireland |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 16 February 2006 |
| Commencement | 18 February 2006 |
| History of passage through Parliament | |
| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
| Revised text of statute as amended | |
The Terrorism (Northern Ireland) Act 2006 was a law made by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It was about how certain serious cases were handled in Northern Ireland.
This law made sure that a part of an older law, the Terrorism Act 2000, could keep going. This older law allowed special courts called Diplock courts to operate in Northern Ireland. These courts were different because they did not use a jury. They were used for certain serious crimes, especially those linked to terrorism.
The special courts were meant to stop on 18 February 2006. But the 2006 Act extended their use until 31 July 2007. This gave more time for changes to be made to the justice system in Northern Ireland.
Contents
How a Bill Becomes a Law
A new law, called a Bill, has to go through many steps. It is debated and voted on in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
Steps in the House of Commons
The Bill for this Act went through these steps in the House of Commons:
- First Reading: The Bill is introduced. (11 October 2005)
- Second Reading: Members debate the main ideas of the Bill. (31 October 2005)
- Committee Stage: A small group of members looks at the Bill in detail. They can suggest changes. (8 November 2005)
- Report and Third Reading: The whole House reviews the Bill and votes on the final version. (30 November 2005)
| First Reading | 11 October 2005 |
| Second Reading | 31 October 2005 |
| Committee | 8 November 2005 |
| Report and Third Reading | 30 November 2005 |
Steps in the House of Lords
After passing the House of Commons, the Bill then went to the House of Lords for similar steps:
- First Reading: The Bill is introduced. (1 December 2005)
- Second Reading: Members debate the Bill's main ideas. (20 December 2005)
- Committee Stage: A group looks closely at the Bill and suggests changes. (12 January 2006)
- Report: The whole House reviews the Bill with any changes. (30 January 2006)
- Third Reading: The final vote on the Bill in the House of Lords. (14 February 2006)
| First Reading | 1 December 2005 |
| Second Reading | 20 December 2005 |
| Committee | 12 January 2006 |
| Report | 30 January 2006 |
| Third Reading | 14 February 2006 |
What the Act Included
Section 4 - How the Old Law Changed
Section 4 of this Act was about how the special courts would stop. It allowed for rules to be made to manage this change smoothly. This is called a "transitional provision." It means making sure things don't suddenly stop, but change over time.
Later, another law, the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007, added to Section 4. It said that special orders could be made to help with the changes. These orders could decide if some parts of the old law should still be used for a while.
One such order was made in 2007. It was called "The Terrorism (Northern Ireland) Act 2006 (Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2007." This order helped manage the end of the special court system.
See also
- Terrorism Act (disambiguation)
