The Lady Chief Justice of Northern Ireland, Dame Siobhan Keegan, has issued a new direction on the distribution of Crown Court business and places of sitting. The direction, which takes effect immediately, replaces the previous direction issued on 3 October 2025.

The direction sets out the classification of offences for trial in the Crown Court. Class 1 offences, which include treason, genocide, piracy, and offences under the Official Secrets Acts, are to be tried by a judge of the High Court. Class 2, which consists solely of murder, may be tried by a High Court judge or a County Court judge listed in Schedule 1 to the direction.

Class 3 offences, which include attempting, inciting or conspiring to commit Class 1 offences, are to be tried by a High Court judge unless the Lord Chief Justice directs otherwise. Class 4, which includes rape, is to be tried by a County Court judge listed in Schedule 2, subject to any special directions by the Lord Chief Justice. All other offences fall under Class 5 and may be tried by any judge of the Crown Court.

The direction also provides that a magistrates' court shall commit a person for trial to the next sitting of the Crown Court at a place within the county court division in which that magistrates' court is sitting, subject to certain statutory provisions.

Schedule 1 lists 15 serving County Court judges and two retired judges eligible to try murder cases. Schedule 2 lists 19 serving County Court judges and three retired judges eligible to try rape cases. The lists are in order of seniority.

This direction was issued under section 47(2) and (3) of the Judicature (Northern Ireland) Act 1978.