The Scottish government set up a review of criminal justice following the decision in Cadder v HMA in October 2010, which held that suspects detained in police custody should be afforded access to legal advice and assistance, otherwise use of interview evidence in the course of a prosecution could breach their right to a fair […]
Al Khawaja and Tahery v United Kingdom
December 15, 2011
The Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights was asked to consider whether the hearsay provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 are compatible with the right to confront adverse witnesses under article 6(3)(d) of the Convention. The significance of the issue was underlined by the further judgment of the UK Supreme Court in […]
Protection of Freedoms Bill
December 9, 2011
View the latest information on this bill on Parliament’s website. The bill was presented to Parliament on 11 February 2011. It: brings in a new framework for police retention of fingerprints and DNA data, and requires schools to get parents’ consent before processing children’s biometric information introduces a code of practice for surveillance camera systems and […]
The Regulation of the Press
December 7, 2011
A fierce debate rages over the future of the Press Complaints Commission. The issue of press regulation raises high emotions and difficult arguments. The Leveson Inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the press has already held three animated and widely reported opening sessions. A wide range of views was expressed at JUSTICE’s Council […]
Commission on a Bill of Rights Discussion Paper
December 5, 2011
Commission on a Bill of Rights Discussion Paper: Do we need a UK Bill of Rights? JUSTICE is committed to ensuring that human rights are protected and respected by each of the institutions of Government in the UK. Individuals should have a right to an effective remedy in our domestic courts for violation of those […]
Green Paper on The Application of EU Criminal Justice Legislation
December 1, 2011
The EU Commission has been consulting on length and conditions of detention in the EU and whether there is need for the EU to legislate in this area. The green paper forms Measure F on the Roadmap on procedural safeguards in criminal proceedings. JUSTICE and the ICJ have issued a joint response to the green […]
JUSTICE Journal – Volume 8, Number 2
Contents for Volume 8 Number 2 Editorial Reforming RIPA Papers A critical account of the accession of the European Union to the European Convention on Human Rights Tobias Lock The Parliamentary Ombudsman and administrative justice: shaping the next 50 years Ann Abraham Articles Accession of the European Union to the European Convention on Human Rights, Simone White Prospects for […]
UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review of the UK
November 22, 2011
In May 2012, the UK’s human rights performance will be subject to review by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Yesterday was the deadline for organisations and NGOs to make submissions on the UK’s work since its last Universal Periodic Review in 2008. JUSTICE welcomes some positive developments – like the decision to reduce pre-charge […]
Terrorism Prevention and Investigative Measures Bill
View the latest information on this bill on Parliament’s website. The bill was presented to Parliament on 23 May 2011. Its purpose is to abolish control orders and make provision for the imposition of terrorism prevention and investigation measures. Although JUSTICE welcomes repeal of control orders under the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005, we are concerned that […]
Freedom from Suspicion
November 4, 2011
Surveillance Reform for a Digital Age In 2000, Parliament enacted the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000. At the time, it was acclaimed by government ministers as human rights compliant, forward-looking legislation. Since its inception, there have been close to three million decisions taken by public bodies under RIPA. Surveillance is a necessary activity […]