What does the Criminal Cases Review Commission deal with?

Welcome to the Criminal Cases Review Commission Known as the CCRC, we are the official independent body that investigates potential miscarriages of justice. Applications can be made by anyone who believes they have been wrongly convicted or sentenced. This is also for those who have lost their appeal before.

Why was the CCRC created?

Independent public body. The Criminal Case Review Commission (CCRC) is an independent public body which was set up under the Criminal Appeals Act 1995 to review possible miscarriages of justice in magistrates courts and the Crown Courts of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

How are criminal cases usually resolved?

Part of a dispute can be settled, with the remaining issues left to be resolved by the judge or jury. Criminal cases are not settled by the parties in quite the same way civil cases are. However, not every case goes to trial. The government may decide to dismiss a case, or be ordered to do so by a court.

What high profile cases have the CCRC dealt with?

Some famous cases amongst the hundreds that the CCRC have referred include Derek Bentley (the “Let him have it” case), Sally Clark (sudden infant death syndrome) and Barry George (the Jill Dando murder). The Commission has wide-ranging powers to assist their investigations.

When was the Criminal Case Review Commission established?

The Criminal Case Review Commission (CCRC) is an independent public body which was set up under the Criminal Appeals Act 1995 to review possible miscarriages of justice in magistrates courts and the Crown Courts of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

When did the CCRC start investigating miscarriages of Justice?

The CCRC is the public body with statutory responsibility for investigating alleged miscarriages of justice in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It was established by section 8 of the Criminal Appeal Act 1995 and started work investigating possible miscarriages of justice on 31 March 1997.

Why did the Court of Appeal quash 39 post office cases?

The Court of Appeal has today (Friday 23 April) quashed the convictions in 39 Post Office cases after they were referred for appeal by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC). The Court concluded that failures of investigation and disclosure by Post Office Limited were “so egregious as to make the prosecution of any of the … Read more >

How to read the Westminster Commission on miscarriages of Justice?

Foreword by co-Chairs of the Westminster Commission on Miscarriages of Justice 4 Executive summary 6 1. Introduction 9 2. The current situation 16 3. Leadership, independence and resources 21 4. Statutory framework and relationship with the Court of Appeal 33 5. Investigation 44 6. Accountability and transparency 53 7.

How does the Criminal Cases Review Commission work?

Mostly we look into cases where someone has already tried to appeal through the courts. If we find new information that makes a case look really different now, we can send the case for a fresh appeal.

How does the RMU deal with criminal appeals?

Once the Statement of Reasons is received by the RMU it will be forwarded to the Appeals and Review Unit, Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, which will take responsibility for dealing with the case. The case is then treated the same as any criminal appeal under the 1968 Criminal Appeal Act.

What are the powers of the Criminal Appeal Commission?

Powers of the CCRC . Under section 17 of the Criminal Appeal Act 1995, the CCRC may, where it is reasonable to do so, require the CPS to produce any document or other material in its possession which may assist the CCRC in the exercise of any of its functions.

Is it an offence to disclose information to the CCRC?

Under section 23 of the 1995 Act it is an offence for any person working or acting for the CCRC to disclose material provided to the CCRC other than for the purposes listed at section 24.