A devastating critique of flawed proposals for judicial review

Evidence is lacking to support the government’s proposed reforms to judicial review, the Joint Committee on Human Rights reports today.

The Committee has found that the proposals expose the conflict inherent in the combined roles of the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, and it calls for a thoroughgoing review of the issues raised by the Minister’s dual role.

Responding to the report, Frances Crook, Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said:

“This is a devastating critique of the failure to grasp the complexity of the conflict of interest inherent in the dual role of politician and legal champion. Unfortunately the error has been to concentrate on the politics while the rule of law has suffered.”

Notes to editors

1. The Howard League for Penal Reform is the oldest penal reform charity in the world. It is a national charity working for less crime, safer communities and fewer people in prison.
2. The Joint Committee on Human Rights’ Thirteenth Report of Session 2013-14,The implications for access to justice of the Government’s proposals to reform judicial review, is to be published on the committee’s website.

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