Jan 23 2024 27 mins
Have you ever wondered if justice truly prevails in the UK's criminal appeals system? This week, we're joined by heavyweights Simon Natas and Jeremy Dein KC to tackle this very question, pulling back the curtain on the urgent need for reform. As we navigate the complexities of the Court of Appeal's narrow criteria and the 'lurking doubt' that haunts some convictions, our guests expose the critical issues and potential solutions that could reshape the path to a fairer legal process.
The conversation takes a turn into the labyrinth of introducing fresh evidence, a task akin to scaling a legal Everest beyond the typical 28-day appeal window. Through the lens of a harrowing Section 18 conviction, Simon and Jeremy illustrate the steep resistance and the concept of 'expert shopping' that often obstructs the road to justice. But it's not just the courts—our critique extends to the critical role and challenges faced by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), an entity designed to be a beacon of hope that now struggles under the weight of bureaucracy and skepticism.
Our exchange culminates in a frank discussion on the broader implications plaguing our justice system, from the troubling power of the prosecution to appeal lenient sentences to the dire state of incarceration for individuals with mental health issues. This episode is more than just a revelation of systemic faults—it's a clarion call for modernization and compassion in a system that affects lives long after the courtroom falls silent. Join us for this eye-opening journey through the UK's criminal appeals process, and lend your ear to a dialogue that champions the pursuit of justice.
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