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Memory Fallibility
In the criminal courts, we are seeing an ever-increasing number of cases where the court hears evidence from witnesses recounting what apparently happened some years earlier. Of course, in many cases, some of that evidence would have been recorded at the time, by way of a witness statement. Still, it is widespread for such evidence […]
Disclosure of Criminal Records
The government has recently approved a proposal to reform the disclosure of criminal records. A review of the sentencing system found that a critical element in reducing offending was having access to employment. Having unspent convictions can be a barrier to gaining employment, so the proposal is to change the law to reduce the number […]
John Goodwin: The Justice Select Committee on Private Prosecutions
John Goodwin defends all types of Animal Welfare Cases and currently is representing defendants in some of the Biggest RSPCA cases throughout England and Wales. He has many concerns about the role of the RSPCA as a private prosecutor and particularly the fairness of the initial stages of their investigations. Many clients are unaware when […]
A Smarter Approach to Sentencing?
A Smarter Approach to Sentencing? This is the name of the paper presented to Parliament that proposes changes to the sentencing and release frameworks in the criminal justice system. The paper sets out the “problems” they have identified in the system as being automatic release, improving confidence and addressing the causes of offending. Automatic release – […]
Recovery plan for the criminal courts
In March, nearly 50% of courts were closed, and jury trials were halted to reduce interaction between court users dramatically. Although 90% of courts have re-opened there is a backlog of cases. The government has announced a series of new measures to address the current delays in criminal courts. Although some lawyers would argue that […]
Indictments – The Basics
An analysis of criminal appeals reveals that indictment errors, often undetected at the trial stage, can lead to significant injustice. However, the Court of Appeal will not quash a conviction merely because there was some unfairness in the trial process; it will only do so if the conviction is unsafe. The application of this test, […]