The first step in a legal challenge to the UK government's controversial Troubles legacy law is under way in Belfast.
Families of those bereaved by the violence are asking Northern Ireland's High Court to overturn it.
Sixteen different cases have been lodged.
They argue that it removes their right to seek justice and contravenes human rights legislation.
The law, which is now on the statute books, will shut down all civil and criminal cases linked to the Troubles, as well as inquests.
Among those in court was Raymond McCord whose son - also called Raymond - was murdered by loyalists in 1997.
A police ombudsman investigation found that his killers had been working as police informers and were protected.
Mr McCord said he had visited his son's grave this morning to lay flowers and to repeat his promise to achieve justice, before travelling to court.
Also there was Martina Dillon, whose husband was shot dead by loyalists near Dungannon, Co Tyrone in 1997.
She said it was unbelievable that she had to come to court to ensure that the inquest listed for her husband actually took place.
"Hopefully the courts will stand by us and give us what we're entitled to," she said.
She added that if this was happening in any other jurisdiction, it would not be tolerated.
Judge Adrian Colton indicated that because there was a large degree of overlap in the cases, he wanted them streamlined to avoid duplication.
Amnesty spokesperson Gráinne Teggart called on the Irish Government to move forward and take the British government to the European Court of Human Rights.
She said it was important that Dublin proceeded "expeditiously", especially as the British government had "abandoned them".
Irish Govt decision on legal action 'in about three weeks' - Martin
Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said he hopes to bring a memo to cabinet in about three weeks time on whether or not to take legal action against the UK government over the Troubles Legacy Bill.
Speaking in New York, Mr Martin said he will have comprehensive legal advice on the matter within two weeks.
Last night he briefed officials from the White House and State department on the Legacy issue.
Mr Martin and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also briefly updated US President Joe Biden on efforts to restore the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly.
Additional reporting Sean Whelan
