A JUSTICE Working Party provides solutions A JUSTICE Working Party last night (3rd March 2016) recommended three key changes to the current system to reduce the impact of big cases on our criminal justice processes – early engagement of experts; case management by all parties and wholesale adoption of technology. These changes, says the Working […]
Building a surveillance law fit for purpose – new JUSTICE publication
November 3, 2015
In 2011, JUSTICE published Freedom from Suspicion: Surveillance Reform for a Digital Age, a forward looking report on the failure of the surveillance framework in the UK to keep pace with changing technology, to the detriment of both individual privacy and the credibility of the work of our law enforcement and intelligence agencies. We recommended […]
In the dock: Reassessing the use of the dock in criminal trials
July 2, 2015
Yesterday (1 July) JUSTICE published its most recent report, which reviews the criminal dock and recommends its use is discontinued. JUSTICE is concerned that the use of the dock impacts upon the defendant’s right to a fair trial, in particular: effective participation in one’s defence; preserving the presumption of innocence; and maintaining dignity in the […]
Snooping law fit for a digital age? Let’s rip up RIPA and start again.
June 11, 2015
Today, in a long-awaited report, the Independent Reviewer of Counter-Terrorism Legislation, David Anderson QC echoes JUSTICE’s call to ‘start from scratch’ with a new surveillance law fit for a digital age. For almost a decade, since its adoption, JUSTICE has urged reform of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 – or RIPA – the […]
Delivering Justice in an Age of Austerity: a JUSTICE Working Party responds to the crisis
April 23, 2015
A JUSTICE Working Party recommends the introduction of lower-level, qualified, trained and empowered dispute resolution officers to deal with the bulk of cases in the civil courts and tribunals. An integrated online and telephone platform – providing comprehensive legal information, advice and assistance – should support individuals through this reshaped justice system, says the Working […]
Charities and NGOs ask MPs to preserve the right to take your council to court
December 18, 2014
Today over 35 different charities and NGOs representing children and older people, people with disabilities, bereaved families and victims of torture; and organisations working on issues as diverse as housing, fair treatment at work and in healthcare, freedom of expression and privacy online come together to call on MPs to vote against significant restrictions to […]
Unjustified judicial review reforms restrict access to justice
April 30, 2014
JUSTICE welcomes critical JCHR Report In a Report published today, Joint Committee on Human Rights (“JCHR”) – an influential cross-party Committee of MPs and Peers – concludes that the Government’s proposals to reform judicial review and limit legal aid for public law challenges are incompatible with access to justice and endanger the rule of law. […]
Saudi torture judgment must not undermine international torture ban
January 14, 2014
JUSTICE urges Supreme Court to extend human rights protection to UK troops
February 15, 2013
On Monday morning, the Supreme Court will begin a four day hearing set to determine whether the protection of the European Convention on Human Rights extends to the activities of UK troops overseas. JUSTICE has intervened in this case to urge the Supreme Court to find that the relationship between the UK and its forces […]
Supreme Court reaffirms ancient right to liberty
October 31, 2012
Today, in a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court reaffirms the importance of the ancient common law writ of habeas corpus. Mr Rahmatullah, was captured by UK forces in Iraq and handed over to US forces in 2004, in accordance with a Memorandum of Understanding between the UK and the US governing the transfer of prisoners. […]