This briefing addresses JUSTICE’s concerns with the Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Bill. The Bill would amend Part II of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act and allow public bodies to authorise covert human intelligence sources (“CHIS”) to engage in criminal activities – including rape, murder and torture – with impunity. JUSTICE would welcome […]
Justice Committee’s Legal Aid Inquiry
November 3, 2020
JUSTICE submitted a response to the Justice Committee’s “Future of Legal Aid” Inquiry at the start of November 2020. Our contributions focused on civil legal aid, and included submissions on: how LASPO has impacted access to justice, citing particular issues with legal aid provision in family, housing and benefits disputes, in accordance with our discrete […]
Begum v Secretary of State for the Home Department
October 29, 2020
JUSTICE was granted permission to intervene by written submissions in the UK Supreme Court appeal in the case of Begum. The Court considered whether (1) a fair and effective appeal can take place without Begum being granted leave to enter the UK to take part in the substantive Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) appeal; and […]
Independent Review of Administrative Law
October 26, 2020
In July the Government announced an Independent Review of Administrative Law to consider potential reforms to the substance of, and procedures for, judicial review. JUSTICE have submitted a response to the Review’s Call for Evidence shaped by an Advisory Group, chaired by Lord Dyson and comprising the following members: Zahra Al-Rikabi; Professor Gordon Anthony; Catherine […]
Justice Committee Court Capacity Inquiry
October 23, 2020
23 October 2020 The Justice Committee is currently conducting an inquiry into whether the number of sitting days available will be sufficient to clear the backlog of cases in the courts and what long-term solutions, including digital hearings, may be possible. We submitted a response, highlighting our work on the virtual jury trial as a […]
Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Bill
October 19, 2020
This briefing addresses JUSTICE’s concerns with the Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Bill. The Bill would amend Part II of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act and allow public bodies to authorise covert human intelligence sources (“CHIS”) to engage in criminal activities – including rape, murder and torture – with impunity. JUSTICE would welcome […]
JUSTICE submits evidence to the Joint Committee on Human Rights on the Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct)
This written evidence addresses questions posed by the Joint Committee on Human Rights with respect to the Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Bill. The Bill amends the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, creating a statutory process for public bodies to authorise covert human intelligence sources to engage in criminal activities – including rape, […]
Judicial Mandatory Retirement Age consultation
October 16, 2020
16 October 2020 JUSTICE has responded to the Ministry of Justice’s consultation on the mandatory retirement age for judicial office holders. The consultation seeks views on whether the mandatory retirement age (which is currently 70) should be raised and, if so, whether it should be raised to 72 or 75. We are pleased that the […]
Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill
October 5, 2020
This briefing addresses JUSTICE’s concerns with the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill. JUSTICE recognises the unique role and status of the UK’s armed forces, and the difficulties faced by service personnel. However, this Bill fails to support current and former service personnel whilst also depriving victims of serious crime to proper access to […]
JUSTICE press release on extending custody time limits
September 7, 2020
Today, the Government will lay temporary legislation extending custody time limits by 56 days for all new Crown Court cases from 28th September. These measures will remain in place for nine months. Custody Time Limits safeguard unconvicted defendants by preventing them from being held in pre-trial custody for an excessive period of time. Custody Time […]