The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) is a Government of Jamaica ministerial entity, headed by the Minister of Justice. It was formed at the end of October 2001 when it was separated from the then Ministry of National Security and Justice. The Ministry of Justice is the lead administrator of justice in Jamaica and therefore administers legislation, delivers justice services, and provides policy support and analysis on justice issues. It is mandated to: Ensure that Jamaica is a just and law-abiding society with an accessible, efficient, and fair system of justice for all. Promote respect for rights and freedoms, the Rule of Law, and the Constitution. Promote awareness of individual responsibilities and civil obligations. This mandate is to be achieved through: Protecting the constitutional rights of citizens. Maintaining the independence of the judiciary. Reinforcing confidence in legal institutions. Carrying out law reform to effect greater social justice. Providing means of redress when people are abused by organs of the state. Carrying out legal directives ordered by the courts for the protection of society. The articulated priorities of the Ministry of Justice 2012-15 are strengthened public trust and confidence in the justice system improved access to justice strengthened linkages between justice sector institutions establishing a sound court infrastructure and implementing a social component to the delivery of justice. The priority policy of the Ministry of Justice is the comprehensive transformation of the justice system, focusing primarily on the short to medium terms of the following specific policy areas: Justice reform Restorative justice Protecting children, youth, and vulnerable groups.