JUSTICE’s Chief Executive, Fiona Rutherford, has jointly written alongside Harriet Wistrich, Founding Director of the Centre for Women’s Justice, to Damian Hinds MP, the Minister for Security and Borders. The letter highlights our serious concerns with the consultation process for the draft revised Code of Practice to be issued pursuant to the Covert Human Intelligence […]
Legal Services Board Consultation on Ongoing Competence
February 19, 2022
In February 2022, JUSTICE responded to the Legal Services Board Consultation on Ongoing Competence. In doing so, JUSTICE drew upon findings and recommendations made within its Understanding Courts report. In that report, JUSTICE explored the role that legal professionals play in ensuring that any person who comes before the court – be it as a […]
Covert Human Intelligence Sources Revised Code of Practice 2022
February 16, 2022
This response addresses JUSTICE’s concerns with the draft revised Code of Practice issued pursuant to the Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021, and its corresponding consultation. The Act created a new mechanism which certain Public Bodies can use, called Criminal Conduct Authorisations. CCAs render crimes that Covert Human Intelligence Sources commit lawful for […]
JUSTICE calls for the Home Secretary and the Mayor of London to ensure the new Metropolitan Police Commissioner is committed to rooting out racism
JUSTICE’s Chief Executive, Fiona Rutherford, has today written to the Home Secretary, copying in the Mayor of London, in relation to the appointment of the next Metropolitan Police Commissioner. The letter draws attention to the JUSTICE report Tackling Racial Disparity: Children and the Youth Justice System (2021) and its recommendations which are of particular relevance […]
JUSTICE writes to Dame Elish Angiolini and Home Secretary on the Sarah Everard inquiry
February 8, 2022
JUSTICE Working Party Chair Sir Robert Owen has today written to Dame Elish Angiolini, copying in the Home Secretary, in respect of the public inquiry into the abduction, rape and murder of Sarah Everard by Wayne Couzens, a serving Metropolitan Police officer. Dame Elish has considerable experience in inquiries and investigations, and we welcome her […]
Delivering Justice for Victims
February 4, 2022
The Ministry of Justice is looking to deliver a Victims’ Bill, aimed at improving victim engagement and experience with the criminal justice system. Currently, too many victims feel let down by a system that seems complex, alienating and ineffective, leading them to disengage altogether. This Bill seeks to address the issues that facilitate these negative experiences, […]
Joint letter on coronavirus-related fines and prosecutions
February 1, 2022
“It is imperative that justice is exercised, and seen to be exercised, proportionately and fairly. The evidence that the opposite has occurred undermines public trust and confidence in authorities and the rule of law.” Coronavirus laws have undoubtedly led to numerous miscarriages of justice. In February 2022, JUSTICE co-signed Fair Trials’ letter calling for the Ministry of […]
Housing Legal Aid: the way forward consultation response
January 31, 2022
In January 2022, JUSTICE responded to the Ministry of Justice’s Housing Legal Aid: the way forward consultation. The response drew upon our 2020 Solving Housing Disputes report, which set out proposals to create a more unified and accessible housing dispute system. Key to the recommendations within that report are greater coherence, access to legal aid […]
JUSTICE publishes landmark report on reforming the Parole Board and system
January 20, 2022
On 20 January 2022, JUSTICE will publish its report ‘A Parole System fit for Purpose’. The report has been prepared by a Working Party of experts, chaired by Nicola Padfield QC (Hon), Professor of Criminal and Penal Justice at the University of Cambridge. It makes 22 practical, achievable, and well-evidenced recommendations which explore and show […]
Work and Pensions Select Committee Consultation Response – Health Assessment for Benefits Inquiry
December 6, 2021
In December 2021, JUSTICE responded to the House of Commons Work and Pensions Select Committee inquiry into health assessments for benefits. The response drew upon the 2021 JUSTICE and AJC ‘Reforming Benefits Decision-Making‘ report, which looked at improving the administrative and procedural aspects of the benefits system to ensure the system works well for everyone. […]