Lord Garnier KC writes for Counsel Magazine on the report into the Criminal Cases Review Commission

The Westminster Commission on Miscarriages of Justice has recently completed its report into the work of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC). Lord Garnier KC has co-authored a review of this report with Michelle Nelson KC in this month’s issue of Counsel Magazine.

While the report emphasises the importance of the CCRC and its work, it contains recommendations based on evidence from those who have experienced the criminal justice system. The report concluded that the structure and resources of the CCRC are out of line with legislation, it’s underfunded and therefore can be under resourced to examine documents, and that their insufficient transparency can undermine their trust. The report made several recommendations based on these conclusions, whilst still recognising the quality and scope of its investigations.

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.”

The full article on the report is available to read here.