header-logo header-logo

Compensating the innocent: Pt 2

13 October 2023 / Dr Jon Robins
Issue: 8044 / Categories: Opinion , Criminal
printer mail-detail
Andrew Malkinson’s exoneration highlights why a dysfunctional CCRC needs a reset, says Jon Robins

Andrew Malkinson, who spent 17 years in prison for a rape in 2003 he did not commit, has accused the miscarriage of justice watchdog of having ‘an attitude problem’ in a press interview after his conviction was overturned earlier this summer. Is that fair?

As a long-term observer of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), I think it is. This is the second instalment of a two-part article on the implications of a scandal that has prompted two inquiries into the commission—one instigated by the watchdog itself (to be headed by Chris Henley KC) and a second launched by justice secretary Alex Chalk KC.

Malkinson (pictured) spent two decades trying to clear his name. It has since come to light that the CCRC was aware of the DNA evidence that would ultimately exonerate him at the time of his first application in 2009.

This week the Court of Appeal revisited a 1991 murder

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Freeths—Ruth Clare

Freeths—Ruth Clare

National real estate team bolstered by partner hire in Manchester

Farrer & Co—Claire Gordon

Farrer & Co—Claire Gordon

Partner appointed head of family team

mfg Solicitors—Neil Harrison

mfg Solicitors—Neil Harrison

Firm strengthens agriculture and rural affairs team with partner return

NEWS
Conveyancing lawyers have enjoyed a rapid win after campaigning against UK Finance’s decision to charge for access to the Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has launched a recruitment drive for talented early career and more senior barristers and solicitors
Regulators differed in the clarity and consistency of their post-Mazur advice and guidance, according to an interim report by the Legal Services Board (LSB)
The dangers of uncritical artificial intelligence (AI) use in legal practice are no longer hypothetical. In this week's NLJ, Dr Charanjit Singh of Holborn Chambers examines cases where lawyers relied on ‘hallucinated’ citations — entirely fictitious authorities generated by AI tools
The Solicitors Act 1974 may still underpin legal regulation, but its age is increasingly showing. Writing in NLJ this week, Victoria Morrison-Hughes of the Association of Costs Lawyers argues that the Act is ‘out of step with modern consumer law’ and actively deters fairness
back-to-top-scroll