The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) is an important part of the criminal justice system which investigate potential miscarriages of justice. They have the ability to look at convictions and sentences and deal with around 1,500 cases per year. If they find sufficient grounds for appeal, the CCRC can send cases back to court for a fresh appeal. Anyone who believes they have been wrongly convicted or sentenced can make an application.
Recent inquiry into CCRC
There has been a recent inquiry into the CCRC after Andrew Malkinson’s conviction was overturned. Mr Malkinson spent 17 years in prison after being wrongly convicted of rape. It was only on his third application to the CCRC that his case was referred to the Court of Appeal. He was then released from prison in 2020.
During the inquiry a sample of 60 cases were examined. The report found that sound decisions were made in all of the 60 cases that were reviewed. However, the inquiry found the CCRC were wasting resources and causing delays. Thirty four recommendations were made to the CCRC, six of these were marked as urgent and the CCRC will have 12 months to address them.
From now on the CCRC will commit to planning their casework better and independently scrutinising cases. The CCRC published a plan in response to the report and have pledged to strengthen the body’s quality assurance framework, clarify expectations and ensure that they deliver just outcomes.
How Stephensons can help
We have had successful applications to the CCRC. Having representation during the application process ensures that your case has the best chance of success in comparison to submitting your own application. If you believe you have been wrongly convicted or sentenced please do not hesitate to contact our criminal defence and appeals team on 0161 696 6188 or complete an online enquiry form.
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