asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the reply by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 3 July (HL Deb, col. 10), what is the justification for splitting responsibility for English civil and criminal law between the Home Office and the Department for Constitutional Affairs.[HL6760]

The responsibility of the Home Office for the criminal law reflects its responsibility for public protection, security, and law and order. The responsibility of the Department for Constitutional Affairs for civil law reflects its responsibility for effective dispute resolution for the public. Through the National Criminal Justice Board, Ministers from all three criminal justice departments work closely together to set the strategy for the criminal justice system and to monitor its delivery.