Attorney General Dominic Grieve, QC, intends to apply for a fresh inquest into each of the 96 deaths at the 1989 Hillsborough disaster.
His decision follows the findings of the Hillsborough Independent Panel, which concluded in September that Liverpool fans were not responsible in any way for the tragedy and indicated a shocking cover-up of the facts.
"I am persuaded that an application to the court for fresh inquests must be made," Grieve said.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission have already indicated that it will instigate an independent investigation into wrongdoing on the part of the police.
"Were there to be criminal proceedings, that could impact on when inquests take place," the Attorney General added.
Dates for the new inquest are yet to be set.