Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice replaces the former Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA) and is headed up by the Rt Hon Jack Straw MP, who takes the role of Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor.
It is responsible for policy on the overall criminal, civil, family and administrative justice system, including sentencing policy, as well as the courts, tribunals, legal aid and constitutional reform.
The Ministry of Justice helps bring together management of the criminal justice system from end to end, meaning that once a suspect has been charged, their journey through the courts - and if necesssary prison and probation - can be managed seamlessly.
Launched on 9 May 2007, the new ministry combines responsibilities for criminal law and sentencing previously with the Home Office with the roles of the former Department for Constitutional Affairs and the National Offender Management Service (including the prison and probation service).