Courts of law in Northern Ireland are a unique part of the British legal framework.

Today, UK law courts remain a vital component of the country's legal system. They are tasked with interpreting and applying the law in a wide variety of cases, from criminal and civil disputes to family and employment matters. While the system has undergone significant changes over the centuries, its core principles remain rooted in the common law tradition, which continues to shape the legal landscape of the United Kingdom.

Trust in the courts has steadily increased over recent decades, thanks in part to judicial transparency, media access to courtrooms, and outreach programs that educate the public about the role of courts in a democratic society.

In the 13th century, the English legal system continued to evolve. The establishment of the Court of Common Pleas, which dealt primarily with civil matters, and the Court of King's Bench, which handled criminal cases, created a more structured court system. These courts played an essential role in shaping the legal landscape of England, as they set legal precedents and defined the scope of English common law.

With the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 brought significant changes to the judicial system. The Normans introduced a more centralized form of government and legal system, and courts became more formalized. The most significant change was the creation of the King's Court, or the Curia Regis, which was a royal court responsible for handling more serious disputes. This court marked the beginning of the English legal system as we know it today, with the king or his representatives overseeing the administration of justice across the land.

Northern Ireland also has a separate legal system that closely resembles that of England and Wales but includes its own High Court, Crown Court, and Court of Appeal. The Northern Ireland courts deal with both civil and criminal matters, and the UK Supreme Court remains the final court of appeal.