The justice department, which is headed by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, is responsible for a range of responsibilities including criminal law and sentencing policy, to fire and rescue services and religious and faith organisations.
BUDGET STATEMENT 2007/08
The justice department oversees spending of more than �1bn a year, supporting the police, prison and fire and rescue services as well as the courts.
The government has been embroiled in a row with opposition parties, who claimed that its plans to deliver 1,000 new police officers through recruitment, retention and redeployment were a climb-down from its manifesto pledge of "1,000 more police".
Following cross-party pressure, MSPs agreed an amendment by ministers to take on the extra 1,000 officers by 2011.
Here are the main announcements:
Original plan to recruit an additional 500 police officers by 2011 with �13.5m, �18.0m and �22.5m funding over the three year spending period amended to recruit 1,000 officers, with an extra �10m, �13m and �17m of funding.Modernising prison service, including replacing Peterhead and Aberdeen with a new prison and a new prison at Bishopbriggs - �12.8m, �21m and �29.2m.New "Firelink" digital radio system for fire and rescue services - �33.8m, �9.7m and �7.5m.Drug treatment and support services - �29.5m, �32.0m and �32.8m.Legal aid - �167.2m, �170.7m and �173.0m.Additional police funding, direct from central government - �138.5m, �162.6m and �165.2m. Funding for the charity regulator - �3.6m and �3.7m over the next two years.
MAIN SNP MANIFESTO PLEDGES
Plans set out for "1,000 more police".Increase spending on drug rehabilitation services by 20%. Commitment to the long-term future of Peterhead Prison, including the rebuilding of the prison. 
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