The Ministry of Justice was today hailed as a "huge step forward" in the government's drive to reform courts, prisons and the probation service.
Unveiled as the UK's first Secretary of State for Justice, Lord Falconer said it made sense to bring together all the people involved in the justice system.
Lord Falconer said:
"I am honoured to have been chosen by the Prime Minister for the task of focusing the justice system on what matters - protecting the public and reducing re-offending.
"It makes sense to bring under one roof everyone looking after the criminal and civil courts, sentencing, imprisonment, community penalties and rehabilitation.
"This is a huge step forward in making sure we have a justice system that works for the public, punishes the guilty and offers a realistic prospect of rehabilitation for the contrite."
The Ministry of Justice will come into being on May 9 and comprise the National Offender Management Service from the former Home Office, the Office for Criminal Justice Reform and the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA).
The new department will have responsibility for the courts, sentencing, prisons, rehabilitation plus DCA policies like voting, crown dependencies, human rights, tribunals and freedom of information.
Although a huge step in the right direction, Lord Falconer warned the Ministry of Justice would still have plenty to do.
He said:
"Issues like prison overcrowding will not disappear overnight. But with the right resources at the right time I am confident we can make a real difference to the quality of justice delivered in this country."
