Criminal Appeals - Criminal Case Review Commission

Question 1

What did the Runciman Commission 1993 recommend?

Answer 1

The establishment of an independent body to consider suspected miscarriages of justice as a result of a number of high profile miscarriages of justice, including Birmingham Six, The Guildford Four and Judith Ward.

Question 2

What did the Criminal Appeals Act 1995 establish?

Answer 2

It established the Criminal Cases Review Commission. This came into force in January 1995.

Question 3

How many members are there in the Criminal Cases Review Commission?

Answer 3

There are 14 members altogether all appointed by the Queen. The membership consists of legally qualified professionals.

Question 4

When did the Criminal Cases Review Commission come into force?

Answer 4

January 1995.

Question 5

What does the Commission have the power to do?

Answer 5

• Investigate possible miscarriages of justice and to refer cases back to the courts //- The CA may direct the Commission to investigate and report to the court on any matter if an investigation is likely to help the court resolve the appeal.

Question 6

How many convictions were quashed in 2012?

Answer 6

324

Question 7

How many convictions were upheld in 2012?

Answer 7

137

Question 8

Name 4 famous cases that were investigated by the Commission?

Answer 8

• Derek Bentley //- Ryan James //-Sally Clark (2003) //- George Davis (2011).

Question 9

Derek Bentley…

Answer 9

He was hung in 1953. The conviction was quashed due to his unfair summing up carried out by the judge at the time. // ‘Let him have it’

Question 10

Ryan James…

Answer 10

He also had his conviction quashed for murdering his wife.