CCRC

Criminal Appeals

The Criminal Cases Review Commission

The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) was set up in 1997 on the recommendation of the Runciman Commission.

The CCRC continues to play a key role in the appeals process by referring cases to the Court of Appeal where it considers there to be a real possibility that the Court of Appeal will overturn the sentence or conviction or both.

The CCRC will consider applications where an applicant has already been unsuccessful on appeal or has been refused leave to appeal.

The Commission will consider whether there is fresh evidence or argument that may cast doubt on the safety of an original decision.

The powers of the CCRC to require public bodies to produce or preserve documents are far reaching. They have the necessary powers to ask any public body to produce documentation or preserve documents that they may have in their possession. Arguments of confidentiality, secrecy or relevance are irrelevant responses from any public body.

The CCRC can also interview witnesses and request investigating officers to provide reports.

If the CCRC are satisfied that there is a real possibility that the Court of Appeal will overturn a conviction or sentence then they will refer the case to the court. The court cannot ignore the referral and must list the case for a full hearing. The appeal is then in the hands of the appellate court for it to be dealt with in the same way as an appeal that had not been referred by the Commission.

The Commission do not charge a fee for looking into applications as the Government provides the funding. Therefore if you are happy to complete the application yourself you can send it direct to them. To download the necessary form please select the following link http://www.ccrc.gov.uk/documents/application.pdf.

Alternatively there is limited public funding available in certain circumstances that allows us to help you in the preparation of your application. We will be happy to arrange an appointment with you to discuss any enquiries that you may have regarding the funding of your application.

For more information on the work of the CCRC please select the following link to their website http://www.ccrc.gov.uk.