Naomi Long is the first elected representative to sign the pledge, which is an initiative of the Law Society of Northern Ireland.

Darren Toombs, president of the Law Society, said: “We see the pledge as an important first step in rebuilding respect for the rule of law and drawing a line under dangerous public comments which have seen lawyers come under attack simply for doing their jobs.

“I welcome the leadership shown by the justice minister in becoming the first signatory to the pledge. The Law Society will be engaging now with other MLAs and political parties to seek their support for this important initiative.”

Mrs Long said: “I am committed to working in partnership to create a fair, just and safe community where we respect the law and each other.”

Signatories to the pledge “recognise the rule of law as the foundation of a just and democratic society, commit to supporting and upholding the independence of the legal profession and the judiciary which underpin the rule of law”.

They also commit to upholding the six key principles of independence, responsibility, fairness, balance and impartiality, transparency and accuracy.