In The Interests of Justice – A Report into the Criminal Cases Review Commission by the Westminster Commission on Miscarriages of Justice

The Westminster Commission on Miscarriages of Justice today launches its report into the work of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC). The Westminster Commission was set up in 2019 by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Miscarriages of Justice to respond to widespread concern about the low, and recently declining, number of cases referred to the Court of Appeal within a criminal justice system already under immense strain.

The Westminster Commission on Miscarriages of Justice is co-chaired by Lord Garnier KC, former Solicitor General, and Baroness Stern CBE. Lord Garnier KC commented:

“The Criminal Cases Review Commission is a vital part of our criminal justice system and has achieved a great deal that is admirable. As the last hope for the unjustly convicted, it must remain alert to the need to be properly equipped to deal with wrongful convictions. We believe our recommendations would lead to an improvement in the CCRC’s investigatory work, prevent it from being too wary of the Court of Appeal, and allow it to maintain its independence.”

In his capacity as a practising barrister at 4 Pump Court, Lord Garnier KC further adds:

“Although 4 Pump Court is predominantly concerned with its commercial law work we all try to do other pro bono and law-related public policy work as well.  This Report, I hope, will not only be of interest to those affected by or otherwise interested in miscarriages of justice in our human, and thus fallible, criminal justice system, but also show that we care about a lot more than just contracts, charterparties or construction and media law disputes.”

A copy of the full report on the work of the CCRC is available to read on the All Party Parliamentary Group’s website.