The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) was established in response to a series of notorious miscarriages of justice, including the Guildford 4 and Birmingham 6. It was the first state-funded body in the world to investigate allegations of wrongful conviction. Over 500 appeals have been allowed as a result of its work but it has received mixed reviews over the years. It is currently considering multiple applications relating to the Post Office Scandal.

In our first symposium, the speakers will address the work of the CCRC, give an insider’s perspective on how to approach the CCRC and an advocate’s view on effective appellate advocacy, followed by opportunities for audience questions.

Future talks

June: The role of the Media in Miscarriages of Justice

September: False Confessions 

October: The dangers of flawed Ballistics/Forensic evidence

November: Medical Evidence (Baby shaking)

 

Programme

6:00pm Drinks on arival

6:30: Dr Hannah Quirk

Reader in Criminal Law at King’s College London and an associate tenant at Drystone Chambers.Dr Quirk will give an overview of how the CCRC was established, reviews of its performance and some of the controversies it has faced.

6:50pm Adam Bell

Former defence solicitor and Case Review Manager at the CCRC will explain how the CCRC investigates cases and suggest what makes a good application.

7:10pm Allison Summers QC

Criminal defence barrister and Head of Chambers at Drystone Chambers will speak on the subject of the essentially inquisitorial components of the CCRC and an adversarial legal system and ask whether the CCRC really has the scope and rigour to identify potential miscarriages of justices.

7:30pm Questions and discussion

7:50pm Drinks and Canapes