Explanatory note

These Rules amend the Legal Aid in Criminal Proceedings (Costs) Rules (Northern Ireland) 1992 by substituting the Northern Ireland Legal Services Commission for the appropriate authority. The effect of the amendment is to transfer responsibility for the determination of the costs payable under the 1992 Rules from the appropriate authority to the Commission. Furthermore, with this transfer of function, the appropriate authority has ceased to exist.

The 1992 Rules also provide a system of redeterminations and appeals enabling solicitors and counsel to challenge the costs determined in a particular case.