*/
MPs blamed inadequate leadership for disclosure failings that have led to miscarriages of justice.
In its Disclosure of Evidence in Criminal Cases report, the Justice Committee said problems had ‘persisted far too long, in clear sight of people working within the system’.
It criticised the now former Attorney General, Jeremy Wright QC, who admitted being aware of problems as far back as 1996, for allowing them to persist and worsen under his watch, and outgoing Director of Public Prosecutions, Alison Saunders, for not ‘pressing for more urgent action to address the worsening situation’. But, the committee added that Saunders was not helped by Crown Prosecution Service data which may have underestimated the number of cases affected by 90%.
Committee Chair, Bob Neill said correct disclosure was ‘fundamental’ to fair trials, but had too often been regarded an ‘administrative headache’, resulting in miscarriages of justice.
Bar Chair, Andrew Walker QC said the government must accept the ‘clear link’ between disclosure failures and over 60% cut to the CPS budget between 2010-2016.
After a CPS review of sex cases, the Criminal Cases Review Commission is to review 306 rape convictions in cases closed between April 2016 and March 2018.
Liam Allan, a student on bail for two years before his trial was halted, has launched a crowdfunding appeal to raise awareness of the failings, as the start of a united campaign to bring about change.
MPs blamed inadequate leadership for disclosure failings that have led to miscarriages of justice.
In its Disclosure of Evidence in Criminal Cases report, the Justice Committee said problems had ‘persisted far too long, in clear sight of people working within the system’.
It criticised the now former Attorney General, Jeremy Wright QC, who admitted being aware of problems as far back as 1996, for allowing them to persist and worsen under his watch, and outgoing Director of Public Prosecutions, Alison Saunders, for not ‘pressing for more urgent action to address the worsening situation’. But, the committee added that Saunders was not helped by Crown Prosecution Service data which may have underestimated the number of cases affected by 90%.
Committee Chair, Bob Neill said correct disclosure was ‘fundamental’ to fair trials, but had too often been regarded an ‘administrative headache’, resulting in miscarriages of justice.
Bar Chair, Andrew Walker QC said the government must accept the ‘clear link’ between disclosure failures and over 60% cut to the CPS budget between 2010-2016.
After a CPS review of sex cases, the Criminal Cases Review Commission is to review 306 rape convictions in cases closed between April 2016 and March 2018.
Liam Allan, a student on bail for two years before his trial was halted, has launched a crowdfunding appeal to raise awareness of the failings, as the start of a united campaign to bring about change.
Sam Townend KC explains the Bar Council’s efforts towards ensuring a bright future for the profession
Giovanni D’Avola explores the issue of over-citation of unreported cases and the ‘added value’ elements of a law report
Louise Crush explores the key points and opportunities for tax efficiency
Westgate Wealth Management Ltd is a Partner Practice of FTSE 100 company St. James’s Place – one of the top UK Wealth Management firms. We offer a holistic service of distinct quality, integrity, and excellence with the aim to build a professional and valuable relationship with our clients, helping to provide them with security now, prosperity in the future and the highest standard of service in all of our dealings.
Is now the time to review your financial position, having reached a career milestone? asks Louise Crush
If you were to host a dinner party with 10 guests, and you asked them to explain what financial planning is and how it differs to financial advice, you’d receive 10 different answers. The variety of answers highlights the ongoing need to clarify and promote the value of financial planning.
On the 50th anniversary of the pub bombings, even now it is still unresolved. Chris Mullin, the journalist and former MP who led the campaign leading to the release of the Birmingham Six, looks back at events
Most of us like to think we would risk our career in order to meet our ethical obligations, so why have so many lawyers failed to hold the line? asks Flora Page
If your current practice environment is bringing you down, seek a new one. However daunting the change, it will be worth it, says Anon Barrister
One year on and the Court of Appeal fails to quash convictions after receiving evidence of racism in the jury room, and there are still no revisions to the Equal Treatment Bench Book , says Keir Monteith KC
A cultural life and times
