CCRC
- Created by: Ellie504
- Created on: 16-05-16 23:19
View mindmap
- Criminal Cases Review Commission
- Is an independent review body that investigate miscarriages of justices which have not been corrected through the normal appeals process and has the power to refer cases back to the courts.
- History
- The Runciman Commission reported in 1993 and recommended establishment of independent body to consider suspected M.O.J's due to cases of Guildford Four, Birmingham Six and Judith Ward.
- The recommendations were implemented and the CCRC was set up under the Criminal Appeal Act 1995 and began work in 1997
- Composition
- Appointed by the Queen. 1/3 must have legal training, 2/3 must have experience of the CJS. Has around 90 staff.
- Completely impartial - do not represent defence or prosecution.
- Criteria
- D must have been convicted in England, Wales or N. Ireland, D must have tried to Appeal but failed and D must have new evidence or new grounds
- Sam Hallam
- New evidence found in 2012 on Sam’s phone to show he was not present at murder. Sam served 5 years in prison but his conviction was quashed in May 2012
- Jeremy Bamber
- In 1986 was killed for killing 5 family members.He still professes his innocence, Bamber's conviction has been repeatedly upheld.
- The
CCRC started work in April 1997. Between then and 31 September 2015 it has
investigated 397
quashed convictions
- But it is not an appeals court so cannot overturn or quash themselves!!
- CCRC can give an extra opportunity to challenge CJS
- But only when all other appeals have failed!
- Very accessible - anyone can access on behalf of D even.
- But hugely severe backlog of cases! 2015 it was reported that 814 cases are currently under review and 507 are awaiting review.
- Has helped to address many miscarriages of justice
- But hasnt prevented them occuring in first place.
Comments
No comments have yet been made