Administration of Justice (Emergency Provisions) Act 1939

The Administration of Justice (Emergency Provisions) Act 1939 was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom passed shortly after the outbreak of the Second World War. Its primary purpose was to make temporary modifications to the existing legal framework to ensure the continued administration of justice during the emergency situation.

Specifically, the Act addressed issues such as the sittings of courts, the jurisdictions of various judicial bodies, and the procedures for legal proceedings. It provided the Lord Chancellor with powers to make orders to regulate court business and adapt legal processes to the wartime environment. These powers were intended to ensure that the justice system could function effectively despite the disruptions caused by the war, including potential staff shortages, air raids, and other unforeseen circumstances.

Key aspects of the Act included provisions relating to:

• Court Sittings: Adjustments to the locations and times of court sittings to accommodate wartime conditions.
• Procedure: Streamlining or modifying legal procedures to expedite cases or adapt to limitations imposed by the emergency.
• Jurisdiction: Temporary alterations to the jurisdiction of specific courts to manage workload or address specific wartime legal needs.
• Continuation of Functions: Ensuring the continuation of essential administrative functions within the justice system.

The Act was explicitly designed to be a temporary measure, effective for the duration of the emergency caused by the Second World War. Its provisions were intended to lapse once the war ended and the ordinary administration of justice could be fully restored. The Act reflects the broader legislative efforts undertaken in the UK during the war to adapt existing laws and institutions to the demands of the national emergency.