The killing of George Floyd has triggered an outpouring of grief and anger for Black communities. For hundreds of years, the Black community has endured personal, institutional and systemic racism in this country as in many others. In their pain and peaceful protest, we stand with Black and ethnic minority communities. JUSTICE’s mission is to […]
Home Office consultation on pre-charge bail
June 8, 2020
On 29 May 2020 JUSTICE responded to the Home Office consultation on pre-charge bail. JUSTICE recognises the concerns raised with the current regime, namely that: pre-charge bail is not always being used by the police in circumstances where it would be appropriate to do so; there has been a significant reduction in the use of […]
JUSTICE co-signs letter on disproportionate use of police powers during lockdown
June 1, 2020
StopWatch, OSJI and Liberty last week wrote a letter to the Secretary of State, the Rt Hon. Matt Hancock MP regarding disproportionate use of police powers during lockdown restrictions. JUSTICE signed this letter. The letter states: “We – a diverse coalition of human rights, racial equality, community, faith and health organisations – write in advance […]
JUSTICE submits consultation on the Scottish Jury Research findings
May 26, 2020
JUSTICE Scotland has submitted a response to the Scottish Government regarding the Scottish Jury Research findings. We underline the important constitutional role that juries play in criminal trials and raise concerns about reforming aspects of the Scottish jury system. The Research is an interesting piece of work. It provides insight into the relationship between the […]
JUSTICE pilots first ever worldwide virtual mock jury trial
April 29, 2020
On 23 March all new trials were suspended, due to fears that they may contribute to the spread of COVID-19. JUSTICE has a number of concerns about this. For those remanded in prison, it means an indefinite period in which their liberty is being restricted without a determination of guilt. For those remanded on bail, […]
Domestic Abuse Bill
April 27, 2020
27 April 2020 This briefing addresses the long-awaited Domestic Abuse Bill. JUSTICE welcomes the Bill and recognises the critical opportunity it presents to address the barriers faced by victims of domestic abuse, including those faced when attempting to access the justice system. Facilitating proper and effective participation of victims in legal proceedings is of fundamental […]
HMCTS Survey on Conducting Video Hearings
April 25, 2020
JUSTICE considers that any fully remote hearings taking place during the Covid-19 pandemic must be procedurally fair. We provide responses to questions posed by HMCTS below which draws on our research, including 18 responses so far to a survey of the experiences of the JUSTICE membership, across many first instance and appellate jurisdictions with remote […]
Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill
April 21, 2020
21 April 2020 This briefing addresses the Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill (the Bill), ahead of its Second Reading in the House of Commons on 21 April 2020. JUSTICE takes no position on the content of the UK’s post-Brexit immigration policy but believes the principles of it need to be properly debated […]
JUSTICE submits consultation to Scottish Government – Human Rights Principles and Options for Solemn Trials during Coronavirus
April 20, 2020
In JUSTICE Scotland’s view, during the strict lockdown period, it is not realistic to conduct any solemn trials requiring the physical presence of persons in the court room, whether with a jury or with a judge alone. Trials necessarily involve individuals travelling to court and remaining there for some time interacting with others. These features […]
JUSTICE submits a consultation to the Justice Commons Select Committee
April 2, 2020
This consultation addresses the Justice Committee ahead of their first meeting on the criminal justice system and COVID-19 on 7 April 2020. JUSTICE is supportive of the many efforts which are being made to keep the justice system functioning during this difficult time. This short briefing to the Committee raises the key principles which JUSTICE […]