The Criminal Cases Review Commission received 955 applications in 2004-05, the highest number for five years. Details of the trend, which could see applications reach almost 1,050 by the end of the next financial year, are contained in the Commission’s Annual Report.
The report also records that between 31 March 2004 and 1 April 2005:
· 825 cases were completed by the Commission
· 45 cases were referred to the appeal courts
· 23 convictions were quashed and seven sentences reduced by the appeal courts
· 41 challenges against Commission decisions were mounted by judicial review – a five-fold increase on 2003-04
The increasing caseload is one of a number of challenges facing the Commission, which has begun reviewing its structures and processes in a bid to improve caseworking efficiency.
As part of the Commission’s contribution to the wider criminal justice system, it has also agreed for the first time to allow access to its database of more than 7,000 cases for the purpose of independent research.
Academics from the University of Warwick will be undertaking two separate research projects: one is focused on expert evidence and the other on the role of legal representatives.
The Commission is also seeking changes to legislation in areas such as international co-operation and obtaining telecommunications data to facilitate effective case review.
However, the Chairman of the Commission, Professor Graham Zellick, stressed that the key priority for the Commission would remain tackling the case backlog and waiting times.
He said: “The Commission continues to play a vital role in identifying possible miscarriages of justice, as the number of quashed convictions demonstrates. This machinery is far in advance of anything found in other countries.
“The Commission serves as a constant reminder that we must not forget the painful lessons of the past - the notorious miscarriages of justice corrected in the 1990s - which led to our creation. Any changes to criminal law, procedure and evidence need to be assessed against the danger of convicting the innocent. The criminal justice system must be carefully balanced between the rights of defendants and the interests of the public.
“Our work gives reassurance to the public that a mechanism exists both to deal with miscarriages of justice and to confirm the safety of the overwhelming majority of convictions.
“We are anxious to streamline procedures so as to deal with cases more speedily though without compromising thoroughness or quality. We know that current delays are a major source of distress.
“The Commission prizes its independence while taking pleasure in its good working relationships with those in the criminal justice system.”
Copies of the Annual Report are available in Pdf format in the 'Publications' section of the website.
|
