The Criminal Cases Review Commission today hosted a visit by a Professor of Law from Utrecht as part of a review by the Dutch Government of how miscarriages of justice are dealt with.
Professor Dr Chrisje Brants from the Willem Pompe Institute for Criminal Law and Criminology visited the Commission’s offices in Birmingham to see how more than 900 cases are reviewed each year. Professor Brants’ visit will help inform a report that she is writing for consideration by the Dutch Government.
Professor Dr Brants said: “I am fascinated by the Commission’s work. I think what impressed me most is the degree of commitment that seems to exist among the whole organization, and the value they place upon its independence.”
The Commission was the first such public body of its type when it began reviewing possible miscarriages of justice in 1997 and regularly hosts visits from international delegations interested in its work.
Commission Chairman Professor Graham Zellick said: “Our model has already been copied by Norway and Scotland and there is considerable interest in a number of other countries. In my view, every criminal justice system should have independent machinery of this kind, and I am glad that Professor Dr Brants visited us today to learn about our role and work.”
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