In The News

Keep in touch with latest developments at JUSTICE

JUSTICE briefing on Commission proposal for a directive on the right to information in criminal proceedings
JUSTICE has published a briefing on this proposal which forms Measure B in the Roadmap on procedural safeguards. Click here to read the briefing (September 2010)
The Human Rights Law Conference 2010
New Politics and a New Era for Rights?
12th Annual Conference
Wednesday 20 October 2010

Key speakers: Lord Justice Sedley, Monica Carss-Frisk QC, Lord Lester of Herne Hill QC

Holiday Inn Bloomsbury, London WC1N 1HT
For more information click here
JUSTICE has published a briefing for the European Parliament and Council on the European Investigation Order
Click here to read the briefing (August 2010)
JUSTICE response to the Home Office Review of Counter-Terrorism Powers
On 20 July, the Home Office announced a rapid review of counter-terrorism and security powers. Click here to read JUSTICE's written submissions to the review (August 2010)

JUSTICE press release: Legal aid cuts must be guided by principle
JUSTICE has registered its concern that any cuts to legal aid should be guided by principle in a letter to the Lord Chancellor, Kenneth Clarke QC MP
Click here to read the letter and here to read the press release (July 2010)

JUSTICE briefing on the Terrorist Asset Freezing Bill in the House of Lords
On 27 July, the House of Lords will debate the Terrorist Asset Freezing Bill. Click here to read JUSTICE's briefing for Second Reading (July 2010)

JUSTICE press release: Proposed changes to arrest warrant rules 'a free pass to suspected war criminals'
Click here to read the press release (July 2010)

ICJ letter to Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), has today, with a number of other similarly concerned organisations, sent a letter to the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago calling on her to refrain from resuming executions as a means of crime deterrent. JUSTICE is the British Section of the ICJ. Click here to read the letter (July 2010)

JUSTICE has responded to the Lord Advocate's Guidelines on Access to a
Solicitor by Suspects in Scotland
Click here to read JUSTICE's response to the interim guidance (July 2010)

JUSTICE briefing on House of Commons renewal debate on 28 days pre-charge detention
On 14 July, the House of Commons will debate the government’s proposed extension of the 28 day maximum for a further six months. Click here to read JUSTICE's briefing for the renewal debate (July 2010)
JUSTICE briefing on the Defamation Bill in the House of Lords
On 9 July, the House of Lords will debate the Private Members’ Bill on Defamation introduced by Lord Lester of Herne Hill QC. Click here to read JUSTICE's briefing on the Bill (July 2010)
The Criminal Justice Alliance, of which JUSTICE is a member, has published a briefing that suggests twelve problem areas within the adult criminal justice system that need urgent attention in the new parliament.
Click here to read the briefing (July 2010)
JUSTICE has published a briefing for the UK on the European Investigation Order
Click here to read the briefing (July 2010)
Relying on the Effective Criminal Defence in Europe publication, JUSTICE, together with AI EU Office, ECBA, ICCL, OSI and OSJI, has sent an open letter to European Commissioner for Justice, Viviane Reding, urging the Commission to present Measure B on Information on Rights and Information about the Charges as soon as possible in order for work to commence towards the adoption of the Roadmap on procedural safeguards.
To read the letter please click here (June 2010)

JUSTICE joint publication – Effective Criminal Defence in Europe
On 24 June JUSTICE, along with OSJI, University of Maastricht and University of West of England, launched Effective Criminal Defence in Europe, a 657pp publication that is the culmination of a three year research project funded by the European Commission and OSI. The project reviewed how criminal defence is conducted in eight member states and one accession state in comparison with the standards of the ECHR and concluded that many countries were falling below ECHR requirements.
The publication was launched at a conference in Brussels attended by experts and ministry of justice representatives from across Europe. It recommends EU legislative action to ensure minimum defence rights are protected, and a change in the cultural attitudes engaged in prosecuting suspects. To purchase the publication please click here. To download a PDF of the Executive Summary and Recommendations please click here (June 2010)

JUSTICE response to HM Treasury consultation on the draft Terrorist Asset-Freezing Bill
The draft Bill is intended to replace the Terrorist Asset-Freezing (Temporary Provisions) Act 2010, which followed the judgment of the Supreme Court in Ahmed in January. JUSTICE intervened in Ahmed and briefed Parliament on the earlier Bill. Click here to read JUSTICE's response to the consultation (June 2010)

JUSTICE briefing on the Identity Documents Bill in the House of Commons
On 9 June, the Identity Documents Bill will receive its Second Reading in the House of Commons. Click here to read JUSTICE's briefing on the Bill (June 2010)

JUSTICE response to the new coalition programme for government
On 31 May, JUSTICE published a response to The Coalition: our programme for government. Click here to dowload the response and here for the related press release (May 2010)

Cadder v Her Majesty's Advocate
On 24 May, the Supreme Court began hearing the devolution appeal from Scotland on whether a suspect detained by the police has the right to speak with and be represented by a lawyer in the police station. A right long held in England, Wales and Northern Ireland but not recognised in Scotland. JUSTICE has been granted leave to intervene in the matter. Click here to read JUSTICE's written submissions and here for a press release (May 2010)

Al Rawi and others v Security Service and others
On 4 May, the Court of Appeal ruled against the government’s request to use secret evidence to defend the claims of seven former UK Guantanamo detainees who are suing the government for alleged complicity in their torture overseas. JUSTICE was granted leave to intervene in the matter, jointly with Liberty. Click here to read the judgment, and here to read our press release (May 2010)

JUSTICE minimum conditions for a bill of rights
JUSTICE has contributed to the debate on the future of the Human Rights Act by stating seven minimum conditions that are vital to any reform. Without these, it would be better to remain with the Human Rights Act.
Click here to download a summary of the conditions. Click here for the related press release. (April 2010)

The Lisbon Treaty Conference
Assessing the impact for UK law and policy
Tuesday 15 June 2010
Organised by JUSTICE and Sweet & Maxwell
The Lisbon Treaty is now in force. It brings in important changes to EU law and procedure that have significant implications for UK law and practice. Find out how the Treaty affects your work - and what further developments are imminent - at this timely one-day conference

The Hatton, 51-53 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8HN
Standard fee: £399 + VAT. Special discounted fee for JUSTICE members: £299 + VAT
For more information click here
Al Khawaja and Tahery v United Kingdom
On 19 May, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights will hear the appeal of the UK government against the Court's 2009 ruling that the use of hearsay under the Criminal Justice Act 2003 breached the right to a fair trial under article 6(3)(d) ECHR. JUSTICE was granted leave to intervene: click here to read JUSTICE's written submissions in the case (April 2010)
JUSTICE response to the Ministry of Justice consultation on arrest warrants for crimes of universal jurisdiction
The Ministry of Justice is currently consulting on whether to remove the right of private citizens to seek arrest warrants for offences of universal jurisdiction. Click here to read JUSTICE’s response (March 2010)

JUSTICE briefing on the Crime and Security Bill in the House of Lords
On 29 March, the Crime and Security Bill will receive its Second Reading in the House of Lords. Click here to read JUSTICE's briefing on the Bill (March 2010)

JUSTICE press release: Independence must be maintained in decisions on legal aid
Click here to read the press release (March 2010)

Al Rawi and others v Security Service and others
On 8 March, the Court of Appeal began hearing the appeal of seven former UK Guantanamo detainees in a civil claim for damages against the British government for alleged complicity in their torture overseas, in which the government has asked for permission to use closed evidence - an unprecedented step in a civil claim for damages. JUSTICE has been granted leave to intervene in the matter, jointly with Liberty. Click here to read JUSTICE and Liberty's joint written submissions and here to read our press release (March 2010)

JUSTICE has published a briefing on the Crime and Security Bill for House of Commons report stage, together with suggested amendments.
Click here to read the briefing (March 2010)

JUSTICE has responded to the Ministry of Justice consultation on its Rights and Responsibilities Green Paper
Click here to read the response (March 2010).
JUSTICE has published a briefing and suggested amendments to the European Protection Order, an initiative of the Spanish presidency on the issue of vulnerable victims
Click here to read the briefing (March 2010)
JUSTICE briefing for the House of Commons Control Order renewal debate
On Monday 1 March, the House of Commons will debate the extension of the control order regime under the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005 for a further twelve months. Click here to read JUSTICE’s briefing for the debate (February 2010)
Paragraph 168 restored to Court of Appeal judgment in Binyam Mohamed v Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
On 26 February, the Court of Appeal handed down the final version of paragraph 168 of its judgment. The original version of the paragraph was revised following submissions by the government. JUSTICE and Liberty lodged further submissions on 12 February, inviting the Court to restore the original paragraph. Click here to read the Court of Appeal's ruling and here to read our press release (February 2010)
JUSTICE Student Human Rights Network 3rd Annual Conference
Human Rights and Criminal Justice
Saturday 27 March 2010 10am - 5pm
Hosted by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
£10 fee (£5 to JUSTICE student, pupil and trainee members)
Full programme now available, for more information click here
Court of Appeal judgment in Binyam Mohamed v Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
On 10 February, the Court of Appeal handed down its judgment in the Binyam Mohamed case, ruling that seven paragraphs previously redacted from the Divisional Court judgment could finally be made public. The paragraphs detail the interrogation techniques used by the US, and the UK government's knowledge of those techniques. JUSTICE and Liberty were granted leave to intervene in the case. Click here to read our joint submissions, here to read the Court of Appeal judgment and here to read the press release. (February 2010)

Devolution and Human Rights - a JUSTICE Report
On 8 February, JUSTICE published a report on devolution and human rights that warns any move to repeal or substantially amend the Human Rights Act or enact a bill of rights for the UK would have serious consequences for the devolved jurisdictions.
Click here to download a copy of the report. Click here for the related press release. (February 2010)

JUSTICE briefing on the Terrorist Asset Freezing (Temporary Provisions) Bill
On 8 and 9 February, the government will use emergency legislation to revive the orders quashed by the Supreme Court in Ahmed and others v HM Treasury on 27 January.
Click here to read JUSTICE's briefing on the Bill (February 2010)

JUSTICE has published a briefing on clauses 21-38 of the Crime and Security Bill, covering domestic violence; gang-related violence; and anti-social behaviour orders for House of Commons Committee stage
Click here to read the briefing (February 2010)

JUSTICE has published a briefing on clause 1 (stop and search) of the Crime and Security Bill for House of Commons Committee stage, together with suggested amendments.
Click here to read the briefing (January 2010)

UK Supreme Court judgment in Ahmed and others v HM Treasury
On 27 January, the Supreme Court handed down its judgment in the case of Ahmed and others, concerning the use of asset-freezing orders against persons suspected of financing terrorism. JUSTICE was granted leave to intervene in the appeal, the very first to be heard by the Supreme Court in October 2009. Click here to read a copy of the Court’s judgment, here to see JUSTICE's written submissions and here to read the press release (January 2010)

JUSTICE briefs MPs on why changes to law of war crimes arrests should be opposed
JUSTICE, together with Amnesty International (UK), Global Witness, Human Rights Watch, the International Federation for Human Rights and Redress, has today briefed MPs for an adjournment debate on war crimes arrests on Thursday 28 January. We oppose any change to the law that would require the consent of the Attorney General to such arrests.
Click here to read the briefing (January 2010)

JUSTICE response to European Commission Green Paper on obtaining evidence in cross border criminal matters
Click here to read the response (January 2010)

The Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights Conference 2010
Recent Developments and Future Directions
Thursday 11 March 2010
Organised by JUSTICE and Sweet & Maxwell
Keynote speaker: The Hon. Mr Justice Blake
Plenary speakers: Michael Fordham QC and Philippe Sands QC

Holiday Inn, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 1HT
For more information click here
JUSTICE briefing on the Crime and Security Bill in the House of Commons On 18 January, the Crime and Security Bill will receive its Second Reading in the House of Commons. Click here to read JUSTICE’s briefing on the Bill (January 2010)

JUSTICE questions Attorney General on arrest of suspected war criminals Click here to read the press release (January 2010)

JUSTICE has responded to the Crown Prosecution Service consultation on the DPP’s interim policy for prosecutors on assisted suicide
Click here to read the response (December 2009).

Winners of JUSTICE / Liberty Human Rights Awards 2009
Awards were presented at a ceremony at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer on the evening of Thursday 10 December. Winners were:
· Dinah Rose QC - Human Rights Lawyer of the Year Award
· Gurkha Justice Campaign - Human Rights Award
· Dan Carey - Peter Duffy Award
Click here for more information

JUSTICE response to Ministry of Justice consultation on defamation and the internet
Click here to read JUSTICE’s response to the consultation on the multiple publication rule (December 2009).

JUSTICE criticises government delays over intercept evidence
On 10 December, the Home Secretary made a statement to Parliament explaining its lack of progress on lifting the statutory ban on the use of intercept as evidence. Click here to read the statement and here to read JUSTICE's press release responding to the government announcement (December 2009)

UK Supreme Court judgment in A v B
On 9 December, the Supreme Court handed down its judgment in the case of R(A) v B, concerning the jurisdiction of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal. JUSTICE was granted leave to intervene in the appeal. Click here to read a copy of the judgment, here to see JUSTICE's written submissions and here to read the press release (December 2009).
A Manifesto for Justice published
A coalition of legal organisations, including JUSTICE, has published A Manifesto for Justice, calling on politicians to put justice centre stage in the forthcoming general election campaign. Click here to read the manifesto. Click here for the press release. (December 2009)

JUSTICE / Liberty Human Rights Awards 2009 shortlist announced
Click here for more information about those shortlisted for each category. (December 2009)

A New Parole System for England and Wales
A JUSTICE Report
On 28 October, JUSTICE published A New Parole System for England and Wales. This report is a timely contribution to the debate over the future of the parole system in England and Wales. Click here to download a copy of the report. Click here for the related press release.
This report also forms JUSTICE's response to the Ministry of Justice's 2009 consultation: Future of the Parole Board. (October 2009)

JUSTICE has published a briefing and suggested amendments to the EU Presidency Draft on the Stockholm Programme
Click here to read the briefing (October 2009)

The JUSTICE Tom Sargant memorial annual lecture 2009: Human Rights and the New British Constitution was given by Professor Vernon Bogdanor CBE on Wednesday 14 October 2009. The lecture will be published in the JUSTICE Journal 2009 Volume 6 Number 2 in December 2009. Click here for a copy of the lecture (October 2009)

JUSTICE has published a briefing and suggested amendments to the Policing and Crime Bill for report stage in the House of Lords
Click here to read the briefing (October 2009)

Al Rawi and others v Security Service and others
On 27 October, the High Court began its hearing of the civil action brought by former UK Guantanamo detainees, in which the government has asked for permission to use closed evidence - an unprecedented step in a civil claim for damages. JUSTICE has been granted leave to intervene in the matter, jointly with Liberty. Click here to read JUSTICE and Liberty's joint written submissions (October 2009)

JUSTICE attended the three major party conferences of 2009, and in collaboration with each of the parties' lawyers association, held fringe meetings under the title: A British Bill of Rights: thinking through the issues.
Click here for a summary of the key issues that were raised and discussed at each of these meetings (October 2009)

To Assist the Court: JUSTICE report on Third Party Interventions in UK courts
On 26 October, JUSTICE published To Assist the Court, looking at the role of interveners in UK courts, and identifying key issues on the law and practice surrounding third party interventions in the public interest. The report also provides a comparative study of the law relating to interveners before Supreme Courts in other common law jurisdictions. It concludes with a series of recommendations aimed at improving the current practice in the public interest. Click here to read a pdf copy of the report and here to read the press release (October 2009)

JUSTICE / REDRESS / Aegis Trust Press Release
On 22 October the government tabled a fresh amendment to the Coroners and Justice Bill that will help close a legal loophole which has in the past allowed genocide and war crimes suspects to visit the UK or live here for years without fear of prosecution.Click here for our press release (October 2009)

JUSTICE / REDRESS / Aegis Trust Press Release
A coalition of peers, leading legal figures and human rights NGOs including JUSTICE are calling on the government to close a serious loophole in UK laws on genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. Click here for the press release (October 2009)

JUSTICE internship opportunities
We have three internships to start in the New Year (one human rights, one EU justice and home affairs, and one criminal justice) The deadline for applications is 5pm on 26 November 2009. Click here for more information.

JUSTICE Student Human Rights Network to hold a two day seminar: The Impact of the Human Rights Act
This seminar for students, trainees and pupils will be held on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 November 2009 and is kindly supported by Allen & Overy. Click here for more information.

A v B: Supreme Court hears challenge to role of Investigatory Powers Tribunal
On 19 October, the Supreme Court began hearing the appeal in the case of A v B concerning the jurisdiction of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal to hear claims against the intelligence services under the Human Rights Act. JUSTICE has been granted leave to intervene in the case by way of oral and written submissions: click here to read the Court of Appeal judgment being appealed against and here to read our written submissions (October 2009)

JUSTICE has published a briefing and suggested amendments to the Coroners and Justice Bill for report stage in the House of Lords
Click here to read the briefing (October 2009)

JUSTICE has also issued two joint briefings on particular aspects of the Coroners and Justice Bill for report stage in the House of Lords
In advance of report stage in the House of Lords, JUSTICE has published two joint briefings on different aspects of the Coroners and Justice Bill. The first, a joint briefing with REDRESS and the Aegis Trust, concerns amendments seeking to strengthen the law on genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity - click here to read. The second, a joint briefing with Liberty and Inquest, concerns amendments to allow the use of intercept material in inquests and resisting the government's proposed use of the Inquiries Act - click here to read (October 2009).

JUSTICE has responded to the Ministry of Justice consultation paper - Legal Aid: Refocusing on Priority Cases
Click here to read the response (October 2009)

Call for nominations: Human Rights Awards 2009
Click here for further information (October 2009)

Free Speech v Privacy
Assessing the latest developments in media law and human rights
Tuesday 1 December 2009
Organised by JUSTICE and Sweet & Maxwell
Key speakers: Lord Justice Eady, Heather Rogers QC

Crowne Plaza London City Hotel, 19 New Bridge Street, London EC4V
For more information click here

JUSTICE has responded to the Ministry of Justice consultation paper - Crown Court Means Testing: Draft Regulations
Click here to read the response (October 2009)

First case before the UK Supreme Court 'a test case for the Rule of Law'
On 5 October, the UK Supreme Court will hear its first case, concerning the use of asset-freezing powers against persons suspected of - but not charged with - financing terrorism. JUSTICE has been granted leave to intervene in the case by way of oral and written submissions: click here to read our written submissions and here to read the press release (October 2009)

JUSTICE has responded to the Home Office consultation on amendment to section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986
Click here to read the response (September 2009)

JUSTICE has responded to the second Ministry of Justice consultation on prisoners voting rights.
Click here to read the response (September 2009)

JUSTICE has published a briefing and suggested amendments to the European Arrest Warrant scheme
Click here to download (September 2009)

Professor Vernon Bogdanor CBE to give 2009 JUSTICE Annual Lecture - Human Rights and the New British Constitution - on Wednesday 14 October 2009.
Please click here for more information. (September 2009)

JUSTICE to host party conference fringe events
JUSTICE will lead the debate surrounding the future of the Human Rights Act 1998 and proposals for a bill of rights with fringe meetings at the three major party conferences this autumn. The meetings - sharing the title A British Bill of Rights: thinking through the issues - will be held jointly with the associated lawyers groups for each party: the Liberal Democrats Lawyers Assocation (LDLA), the Society of Labour Lawyers (SLL) and the Society of Conservative Lawyers (SCL).

Liberal Democrat: 22 September 2009. Click here for more information
Labour: 30 September 2009. Click here for more information
Conservative: 6 October 2009. Click here for more information

Please do get in touch if you will be attending one of the conferences on events@justice.org.uk or 020 7762 6422

JUSTICE has published a briefing on the Draft Council Framework Decision on the transfer of proceedings in criminal matters
Click here to download (July 2009)

JUSTICE has published a briefing on the European Commission proposal for a Council Framework Decision on the right to interpretation and to translation in criminal proceedings
Click here to download (July 2009)

The International Commission of Jurists in conjunction with the Swedish and British Sections have issued a statement supporting the adoption of common minimum safeguards for defendants in the EU area of freedom, security and justice, and have called upon the Swedish Presidency of the European Union to ensure this remains a priority of its Presidency.
Click here to read the statement (July 2009)

The Human Rights Law Conference 2009
Balancing rights in a time of change and conflict
11th Annual Conference
Tuesday 22 October 2009
Key speakers: Lord Justice Sullivan, Michael Fordham QC, Edward Fitzgerald QC

Holiday Inn Bloomsbury, London WC1N 1HT
For more information click here (July 2009)
JUSTICE has responded to the Home Office consultation on the police retention of DNA
Click here to read the response (July 2009)

The Standing Committee for Youth Justice, of which JUSTICE is a member, has published a report on the funding of custody for children
The report recommends that funding be devolved to the local level in order to help reduce the unnecessary use of custody and increase focus on prevention of offending.
To download the report, click here (July 2009)

JUSTICE has responded to the European Commission Communication on an area of freedom, security and justice, serving the citizen
The European Council will over the next six months agree future activity in this area in a final document called the Stockholm Programme.
Click here to read the response (July 2009)

JUSTICE very much regrets the death of Lord Kingsland QC TD DL
Lord Kingsland was a vice-chair of JUSTICE's Council from October 2005 until his death. Roger Smith, JUSTICE's Director, commented:
'He was conscientious, insightful and committed to making JUSTICE work as an all-party law reform organisation. He was one of those rare people found in small numbers in all parties who combine being a successful politician and a thoughtful lawyer. JUSTICE will miss him and, personally, I will miss him.'

JUSTICE has responded to the Home Office consultation on its communications data proposals
Click here to read the response (July 2009)

JUSTICE, together with ILPA, JCWI, Liberty and the Migrants Rights Network, has written to the Home Secretary concerning the citizenship proposals in Part 2 of the Borders Citizenship and Immigration Bill
Click here to read the letter (July 2009)

JUSTICE has responded to the Home Office consultation on the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000
Click here to read the response (July 2009)

JUSTICE, together with other prominent NGOs, has prepared a position statement on the development of procedural safeguards in the EU ahead of the Council Working Group meeting on 9 July 2009. The position is available here
JUSTICE welcomes changes to law on international crimes but calls for government to go further
JUSTICE today issued a joint statement with NGOs The Aegis Trust and REDRESS welcoming the government's announcement on the law of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide but called for the government to reform the law further to allow the prosecution of suspects present but not resident in the UK. For a copy of the statement click here.

JUSTICE Press Release
JUSTICE calls on Lords to decriminalise child victims of sexual exploitation
Today JUSTICE called upon the House of Lords to end the criminalisation of victims of child prostitution as peers debate an amendment to the Policing and Crime Bill which would mean that children could no longer be prosecuted for ‘loitering or soliciting for the purposes of prostitution’. Click here for our press release (July 2009)

JUSTICE has published a briefing and suggested amendments to the Policing and Crime Bill for committee stage in the House of Lords
Click here to download (June 2009)

JUSTICE Press Release
JUSTICE supports calls to stop UK being a 'safe haven' for war criminals
Today JUSTICE supported calls to close legal loopholes allowing people suspected of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes to live freely in the UK beyond reach of the law. Click here for our press release (June 2009)

JUSTICE Press Release - Defence safeguards sidelined in favour of tougher policy on fighting crime Click here to read the press release (June 2009)

House of Lords judgment in control order appeals coincides with launch of JUSTICE report on Secret Evidence
On 10 June 2009, the House of Lords ruled unanimously in the case of AF and others v Secretary of State for the Home Department that defendants in control order cases have an absolute right to disclosure of the secret evidence sufficient to meet the allegations against them. The same day JUSTICE, which intervened in AF, released its 238-page report entitled Secret Evidence detailing the use of secret evidence in British courts since 1997. Click here to read the report, here to read the press release, and here to read the House of Lords judgment.

The Criminal Justice Alliance, of which JUSTICE is a member, has sent an open letter to the Secretary of State for Justice on funding for legal representation for families at inquests.
Click here to download (June 2009)

JUSTICE Press Release
JUSTICE condemns government’s legal aid plans as undermining the principle of innocent until proven guilty
On 8 June the Ministry of Justice published plans to make defendants in criminal cases contribute to the costs of their trials while they are still ongoing. Click here for our press release (June 2009)

JUSTICE urges Peers to close loopholes in UK law on international crimes
JUSTICE today wrote to Peers in support of amendments to the Coroners and Justice Bill that would prevent people suspected of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity from escaping justice in the UK. For a copy of the letter click here. (June 2009)
The amendments are available here. Further information is available in briefings from the Aegis Trust which are available here (short briefing) and here (detailed briefing)

JUSTICE has published a briefing and suggested amendments to the Coroners and Justice Bill for committee stage in the House of Lords
Click here to download (June 2009)

JUSTICE has published a briefing on the Borders Citizenship and Immigration Bill for second reading in the House of Commons
Click here to download (June 2009)

JUSTICE has published a briefing on the Policing and Crime Bill for second reading in the House of Lords
Click here to download (May 2009)

JUSTICE Press Release
‘Diplomatic assurances’ cheapen Britain’s reputation in the international fight against torture.
On 28 May, JUSTICE published Volume 6.1 of the JUSTICE Journal containing a hard-hitting article by Eric Metcalfe on the false promise of assurances against torture. Click here for our press release. Click here for more information about the JUSTICE Journal (May 2009)

The Standing Committee for Youth Justice, of which JUSTICE is a member, has written to Ministers to express concerns about court ordered remands of children and young people. Click here to read the letter (May 2009)

JUSTICE has produced a candidate briefing for the European Parliamentary elections regarding procedural safeguards
The briefing asks all candidates to use their position to ensure that minimum procedural safeguards are adopted in the area of judicial cooperation in criminal matters. To read the briefing click here (May 2009)

JUSTICE has published a briefing and suggested amendments to the Coroners and Justice Bill for second reading in the House of Lords
Click here to download (May 2009)

JUSTICE has published its briefing and suggested amendments for Report stage of the Policing and Crime Bill, focusing on prostitution (including recommending the decriminalisation of child victims of sexual exploitation involved in prostitution), dispersal directions, 'gang' injunctions, and extradition. Click here to download (May 2009)

JUSTICE has published a briefing and suggested amendments to the EU Proposal for a Council Framework Decision on prevention and settlement of conflicts of exercise of jurisdiction in criminal proceedings. Click here to download (April 2009)

JUSTICE together with Amnesty International and Open Society Justice Initiative has produced a submission which addresses competency to act in the area of procedural safeguards for defendants in criminal matters at EU level. The submission anticipates the announcement of the upcoming Swedish Presidency that it intends to revive work on mutual cooperation in this area. Click here to read the submission (March 2009

The Investigation and Prosecution Conference 2009
New powers, new responsibilities - assessing the impact
Thursday 11 June 2009
Holiday Inn, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 1HT
Organised by JUSTICE and Sweet & Maxwell
Click here for further information

JUSTICE Press Release
Rights and Responsibilities: developing our constitutional framework
On 23 March, the Government launched a Green Paper on constitutional reform and a bill of rights and responsibilities. Click here for our press release (March 2009)

The Standing Committee for Youth Justice, of which JUSTICE is a member, has responded to the Sentencing Advisory Panel's consultation paper on Principles of Sentencing for Youths. JUSTICE has endorsed this response.
Click here to read the response (March 2009)

JUSTICE has published a briefing and suggested amendments to the Coroners and Justice Bill for the House of Commons Report Stage
Click here to download (March 2009)

Joint JUSTICE, Liberty and INQUEST briefing on secret inquest clauses of the Coroners and Justice Bill
Click here to read the joint briefing and suggested amendments for Report stage in the House of Commons (March 2009)

House of Lords begins hearing control order appeals
On 2 March, a panel of 9 Law Lords began hearing AE, AF and AN v Secretary of State for the Home Department, concerning the use of closed material in control order proceedings. JUSTICE has been granted leave to intervene in the case: click here to read our written submissions and here to read the press release (March 2009)

JUSTICE briefing on the House of Commons Control Order renewal debate
Click here to download (February 2009)

JUSTICE submission to the House of Lords Constitution Committee inquiry into Emergency Legislation
Click here to read JUSTICE's written evidence to the Committee (February 2009)

JUSTICE briefing on Part 5 of the Policing and Crime Bill, amendments to the Extradition Act Click here to download (February 2009)

JUSTICE briefing on Part 5 to the Coroners and Justice Bill relating to mutual recognition of convictions across the EU Click here to download (February 2009)

JUSTICE has suggested amendments to the government amendments to the Policing and Crime Bill relating to "injunctions against gang-related violence" Click here to download (February 2009)

JUSTICE has published suggested amendments to Part 3 of the Coroners and Justice Bill for House of Commons Committee Stage
Click here to download (February 2009)

JUSTICE Press Release
A and others v United Kingdom
On 19 February, the European Court of Human Rights ruled in the above case, in which JUSTICE intervened. Click here for the press release.(February 2009)

JUSTICE Press Release
RB and U and Othman v Secretary of State for the Home Department
On 18 February, the House of Lords handed down judgment in the above cases in which JUSTICE and Human Rights Watch jointly intervened. Click here for the press release.(February 2009)

Assessing Damage, Urging Action: Report of the Eminent Jurists Panel on Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights
Click here to download a pdf copy of the full report
Click here for an Executive Summary of the report
Click here for our press release,
Click here for a JUSTICE Briefing on the key issues relating to the UK and an analysis of the response by the new US administration to counter-terrorism.
(February 2009)

JUSTICE, along with REDRESS, FIDH, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and Hickman and Rose solicitors, have submitted a paper to the Joint Committee on Human Rights inquiry into Genocide, Torture, and Related Offences.
Click here to read the paper.

JUSTICE has published suggested amendments to Part 2 of the Coroners and Justice Bill for House of Commons Committee Stage
Click here to download (February 2009)

JUSTICE briefing on the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill
Click here to read our briefing for second reading in the House of Lords (February 2009)

JUSTICE has published suggested amendments to Part 1 of the Coroners and Justice Bill for House of Commons Committee Stage
Click here to download (February 2009)

JUSTICE has responded to the Ministry of Justice Consultation Paper - Crown Court means testing
Click here to read the response (February 2009)

JUSTICE has responded to the Ministry of Justice Consultation Paper - The award of costs from Central Funds in criminal cases.
Click here to read the response (February 2009)

JUSTICE has published suggested amendments to Part 2 of the Policing and Crime Bill for House of Commons Committee stage, dealing with the law on prostitution. Please click here to download (February 2009)

JUSTICE launches report on the Privy Council
The Constitutional Role of the Privy Council and the Prerogative by Patrick O'Connor QC concludes that ' … fundamental consideration should be given to the future role, and even continued existence, of the Privy Council.'
On launching the paper Roger Smith, JUSTICE Director commented:

21st century Britain needs a constitution that reflects democracy, human rights and good governance. It is difficult to see any place for the legislative role of the unelected and undemocratic Privy Council.

The paper was launched at a meeting at Doughty Street Chambers on 26 January 2009. Click here to download a copy of the paper. Click here for a summary of the paper's 11 conclusions.
JUSTICE briefing on the Coroners and Justice Bill
Click here to read our briefing for second reading in the House of Commons (January 2009)

Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights
Launch of Assessing Damage, Urging Action - a report by the Eminent Jurists Panel of the International Commission of Jurists
Tuesday 17 February 2009 at 6pm
Hosted by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer For more information click here
This event is now fully booked - however we do have a reserve waiting list. We cannot guarantee a place at the event, but if you would like to be added to this reserve list please email events@justice.org.uk
JUSTICE Student Human Rights Network 2nd Annual Conference
Human Rights, Civil Liberties and Democracy
Saturday 14 March 2009 10am - 5pm
Hosted by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
£10 fee (£5 to JUSTICE student, pupil and trainee members)
Full programme now available, for more information click here
For further information please email jshrn@justice.org

JUSTICE briefing on the Policing and Crime Bill
Click here to read our briefing for second reading in the House of Commons (January 2009)

Savage v South Essex NHS Trust
On 10 December, the House of Lords handed down judgment in the above case in which JUSTICE, Liberty, MIND and INQUEST jointly intervened. Click here to read the judgment and here to read the interveners' written submission

Winners of Human Rights Awards
Awards were presented at a ceremony at the Law Society on the evening of Monday 8 December. Winners were:
· Timothy Otty QC - Human Rights Lawyer of the Year
· Corner House Research - Human Rights Award
· Ajanta Kaza - Peter Duffy Award
· Diane Abbott MP - Special Judges Award
Click here for more information

JUSTICE Response to the Government proposals in response to the Review of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
Click here to read the response (December 2008)

JUSTICE response to the Human Genetics Commission consultation on the National DNA Database
Click here to read the response (November 2008)
House of Lords begins hearing appeal in mental health detention case
On 27 October, the House of Lords began its hearing in the case of Savage v South Sussex NHS Trust, concerning the duty owed by mental health authorities to safeguard the right to life of those in mental health detention. JUSTICE has been granted leave to intervene in the case jointly with Liberty, MIND and INQUEST.
Click here to read our written submissions (October 2008)
Law Lords begin hearing into diplomatic assurances against torture
On 23 October, the House of Lords began hearing a series of appeals against the UK government's decision to deport two men to Algeria and one man to Jordan - both countries with a very well-established reputation for practising torture. Despite the fundamental prohibition in Article 3 ECHR against returning individuals to countries where they face a real risk of torture, the UK government has maintained that it is safe to do so due to assurances received from the Algerian and Jordanian governments that the men will not be tortured. JUSTICE and Human Rights Watch have been granted leave to intervene jointly in the case to argue that such assurances are inherently unreliable and constitute no safeguard against torture. The intervention will also argue that SIAC's use of closed proceedings to hear evidence relating to the risk of ill-treatment on return is itself inherently unfair. Click here to read the joint written submissions of JUSTICE and Human Rights Watch and here to read the press release (October 2008)
Data Protection and Privacy
The Shifting Landscape
Wednesday 3 December 2008
Pinsent Masons, 30 Aylesbury Street, London EC1R 0ER
Organised by JUSTICE and Sweet & Maxwell
Click here for further information
JUSTICE summary response to government consultation on Murder, Manslaughter and Infanticide: proposals for reform of the law
Click here to read the response (October 2008)
EM (Lebanon) v Secretary of State for the Home Department
On 22 October, the House of Lords upheld the appeal of a mother against her removal to Lebanon on the grounds that it would involve a 'flagrant breach' of her right to family life with her son contrary to Article 8 ECHR. Click here to read the judgment, click here to read the press release and click here to read the written submissions of JUSTICE and Liberty who were granted leave to intervene jointly in the case.
The Standing Committee for Youth Justice, of which JUSTICE is a member, has today responded to the inter-departmental Youth Crime Action Plan
Click here for the response and here for the press release (October 2008)
New publication from JUSTICE
Published 16 October 2008
Righting Miscarriages of Justice?
Ten years of the Criminal Cases Review Commission
By Laurie Elks
The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) has its genesis in a series of catastrophic wrongful convictions in the 1970s. The cases of the Guildford Four, the Maguire Seven and the Birmingham Six marked a low point in British justice.In this book, Laurie Elks, one of the original Commissioners, analyses the cases referred to the Court of Appeal by the CCRC in its first ten years. He provides the first comprehensive review of the achievements of the CCRC as well as an informed and frank assessment of how it, and the Court of Appeal, deal with cases of suspected miscarriages of justice.For more information including an order form, please click here.
- Published: October 2008
- ISBN: 978 0 907247 45 6
- Format and extent: A5, 400pp
- Price: £29.95 (£25 to JUSTICE members)
The JUSTICE Tom Sargant memorial annual lecture 2008: Law Lords at the Margin: who defines Convention rights? was given by Baroness Hale of Richmond, Law Lord, on Wednesday 15 October 2008. The lecture will be published in the JUSTICE Journal 2008 Volume 5 Number 2 in December 2008. Click here for a copy of the lecture.
JUSTICE has responded to the Policing Green Paper, From the neighbourhood to the national - policing our communities together
Click here to read our response (October 2008)
JUSTICE submission to the Home Affairs Committee inquiry on the Draft Immigration and Citizenship Bill
Click here to read JUSTICE's written submission to the Committee and here to read the Draft Bill (October 2008)
Call for nominations: Human Rights Awards 2008
Click here for further information or here for the flyer
JUSTICE Press Release
JUSTICE calls for action on children in custody following critical UN report. To read the press release click here (October 2008)
Extradition, Deportation and Removal Conference 2008
Protecting rights across borders
Friday 14 November 2008
For full details click here
JUSTICE has responded to the Ministry of Justice consultation on Bail and Murder
Click here to read our response (September 2008)
JUSTICE supplementary evidence to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights inquiry into Policing and Protest
Click here to read the evidence (August 2008)

JUSTICE response to consultation on the inspection powers of the Information Commissioner
Click here to read our response to the consultation paper from the Ministry of Justice (August 2008)

Serious Fraud Office v Corner House and CAAT
On 30 July, the House of Lords overturned the judgment of the Divisional Court, which had ruled that the Serious Fraud Office had acted unlawfully in dropping its corruption investigation in response to threats from foreign officials. JUSTICE was granted leave to intervene in the case. Click here to read JUSTICE's submissions, here to read the judgment and here to read the press release (July 2008)
EM (Lebanon) v Secretary of State for the Home Department
On 21 July, the House of Lords will begin hearing an appeal concerning the scope of the 'flagrant breach' exception to immigration removal under the Human Rights Act. JUSTICE and Liberty have been granted leave to intervene jointly in the case. Click here to read the written submissions (July 2008)

JUSTICE briefing on the Criminal Evidence (Witness Anonymity) Bill
Click here to read our briefing for all stages in the House of Commons emergency debate and click here to read our press release (July 2008)
House of Lords begins hearing appeal in Serious Fraud Office v Corner House
On 7 July, the House of Lords began hearing the appeal of the Director of the Serious Fraud Office against the judgment of the Divisional Court that his discontinuance of the BAE bribery investigation was an unlawful submission to a threat to the rule of law. JUSTICE has been granted leave to intervene in the case: click here to read our written submissions (July 2008)
JUSTICE briefing on the Counter Terrorism Bill
Click here to read our briefing for second reading in the House of Lords (July 2008)
The Human Rights Law Conference 2008
Building on ten years of the Human Rights Act
10th Annual Conference
Tuesday 21 October 2008
Holiday Inn Bloomsbury, London WC1N 1HT
For more information click here (June 2008)
JUSTICE submission to the Joint Committee on Human Rights inquiry into Policing and Protest
Click here to read JUSTICE's written submission to the Joint Committee (June 2008)
JUSTICE is very pleased to announce that our director, Roger Smith, was awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list in recognition of his services to human rights (June 2008)
JUSTICE rejects Home Secretary's claim on international comparisons in 42 days debate
Click here to read JUSTICE's press release responding to a letter from the Home Secretary concerning comparisons in periods of pre-charge detention between the UK and other countries (June 2008)
JUSTICE supplementary briefing on the Counter Terrorism Bill for Commons Report stage
Click here to read our supplementary briefing on the government's proposed amendments for the 42 day extension for Report stage in the House of Commons and click here for our briefing for the second reading debate (June 2008)
JUSTICE response to A Structured Sentencing Framework and Sentencing Commission
Click here to read our response to the consultation paper from the Sentencing Commission Working Group (June 2008)
JUSTICE welcomes amendment to Health and Social Care Bill
Click here to read the joint briefing of JUSTICE, Liberty, the British Institute of Human Rights, Help the Aged and Age Concern on the Health and Social Care Bill for Committee stage in the House of Lords, and here to read the joint press release welcoming the government's proposed amendment, extending the Human Rights Act to publicly-funded patients in private care homes (May 2008)

House of Lords hears appeals on witness protection and the right to life
On 19 May, the House of Lords began hearing two joined appeals in the cases of Chief Constable of Hertfordshire v Van Colle and Chief Constable of Sussex v Smith, concerning the failure of police to protect witnesses from death threats. JUSTICE, together with Liberty, INQUEST and MIND, have been granted leave to intervene concerning the duty of police under Article 2 ECHR (the right to life) to take operational measures to protect the lives of witnesses. Click here to read the interveners' written submissions (May 2008)

JUSTICE briefing on the Torture (Damages) Bill
JUSTICE is supporting the private members bill introduced by Lord Archer of Sandwell QC on behalf of REDRESS. Click here to read more about the Bill and here to read our briefing for second reading in the House of Lords (May 2008)

JUSTICE Student Human Rights Network
Spring 2008 electronic bulletin published (May 2008)
New JUSTICE publication: Crime, Rights and the EU
The future of police and judicial cooperation
Edited by Maik Martin
In an increasingly interconnected world, supranational bodies like the European Union have an ever greater influence over our lives. We enjoy greater ease of movement and trade. But what of our fundamental rights and freedoms? Have these kept pace with the speed of change?
Contents include:
Fundamental rights in EU justice and home affairs
Legitimacy, accountability and fundamental rights in an area of freedom, security and justice
The role of fundamental rights evaluation in the establishment of the area of freedom, security and justice
Mutual recognition, harmonisation and fundamental rights protection
Law enforcement cooperation in the EU and fundamental rights protection
Data protection in the third pillar

ISBN 978 0 907247 44 9
Price: £25 (£22.50 to JUSTICE members) Postage is free on UK orders
Format: A5
Extent: 194pp
Published: 21 April 2008

Click here for more information and an order form (April 2008)
JUSTICE launches third Futures paper
Human Rights and the Future of the European Union argues that EU institutions must be governed by a clear and coherent legally binding and enforceable human rights framework. Without such a framework, the EU risks becoming a black hole for fundamental rights rather than a champion of the principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law on which it was founded. Click here to read the paper (April 2008)

JUSTICE briefing on the Counter Terrorism Bill
Click here to read our briefing for second reading in the House of Commons (March 2008)
JUSTICE joint briefing on the Health and Social Care Bill
Click here to read the joint briefing of JUSTICE, Liberty, the British Institute of Human Rights, Help the Aged and Age Concern on the Health and Social Care Bill for second reading in the House of Lords (March 2008)
Norris v United States of America
On 12 March, the House of Lords held that the common law offence of conspiracy to defraud could not form the basis for extradition to the US on charges of price fixing without dishonesty. JUSTICE intervened in the case to argue that the common law could not be used in this way without breaching legal certainty and Article 7 ECHR. Click here to read the Lords judgment, here to read JUSTICE's intervention and here to read the press release (March 2008)
JUSTICE welcomes European Court of Human Rights judgment upholding absolute ban against return to torture
On 28 February, the Grand Chamber of the Court issued its unanimous judgment in Saadi v Italy in which it rejected the submissions of the UK government that the absolute ban on non-refoulement under Article 3 ECHR should be weakened. Click here to read the judgment of the Grand Chamber, here to read the joint press release of 11 human rights NGOs including JUSTICE, and here to read JUSTICE's covering press release (February 2008)
After Lisbon
Protecting Fundamental Rights in the European Union
Wednesday 30 April 2008
Jury's Great Russell Street, 16-22 Great Russell Street, London WC1
Organised by JUSTICE and Sweet & Maxwell
For further information click here
JUSTICE response to Best Value Tendering of Criminal Defence Services: a consultation paper issued by the Legal Services Commission
Click here to read our response and here to read the press release (February 2008)
JUSTICE welcomes PM's announcement on intercept evidence
Following the publication of the Chilcot Report, the government has announced that it is prepared to lift the ban on using intercept material as evidence in criminal proceedings. JUSTICE welcomed the announcement but cautioned that complexity should not be allowed to delay implementation of the measure. Click here to read the PM's announcement, here to read the Chilcot Report (the report of the Privy Council Review on the use of as evidence), here to read JUSTICE's 2006 study on intercept evidence and here to read JUSTICE's press release (February 2008)
JUSTICE Student Human Rights Network Conference
Human Rights Law: Today's issues for tomorrow's lawyers
Saturday 8 March 2008
Hosted by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and supported by the College of Law and the Guardian
£10 fee (£5 to JUSTICE student, pupil and trainee members)
Click here for conference flyer and booking form
JUSTICE opposes 42 day detention in terror cases
JUSTICE has criticised proposals contained in the Counter-Terrorism Bill published on 24 January to further extend pre-charge detention. Click here to see the Bill as introduced in Parliament and click here for JUSTICE's press release (January 2008)
JUSTICE briefing on the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill for second reading in the House of Lords
Click here to read the briefing (January 2008)
JUSTICE welcomes Home Affairs Committee report on pre-charge detention
Click here for the press release (December 2007)
Al Jedda v Secretary of State for Defence
On 12 December, the House of Lords held by a 4-1 majority the UK government was responsible under international law for the use of internment powers under UN Security Council Resolution 1546. JUSTICE and Liberty jointly intervened in the case to argue that Resolution 1546 did not displace the right to liberty under Art 5 ECHR. Click here to read the Lords judgement, here to read the JUSTICE submissions and here to read the press release (December 2007)

JUSTICE responds to latest government proposals on pre-charge detention
Click here for the press release (December 2007)
From Arrest to Charge in 48 Hours: Complex terrorism cases in the US since 9/11
The UK government argues that the increasing complexity of terrorism cases requires the extension of pre-charge detention beyond 28 days. In the US, however, the Fourth Amendment limits the maximum period of pre-charge detention in criminal cases to 48 hours. JUSTICE has released a report examining ten of the most high-profile alleged terrorism plots in the US since 9/11, showing how the increasing complexity of cases has not prevented each suspect being charged within 48 hours of their arrest. Click here for a pdf copy of the report or click here to read the press release (November 2007)
JUSTICE and Liberty's joint submission to the UN Human Rights Council's forthcoming examination of the UK under the new Universal Periodic Review procedure
Read a copy of the joint submission here (November 2007)
JUSTICE and Liberty's joint submission to the UN Human Rights Committee on the UK's 6th periodic report under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
Read a copy of the joint submission here (November 2007)
JUSTICE launches report on a British Bill of Rights
All three political parties agree that it is time for a national debate on the desirability of a bill of rights. A British Bill of Rights: Informing the debate clearly lays out the issues that will need to be addressed in a proper public consideration of the subject.
Download the report for free. Printed copies are available at £9.99 (£8.99 to JUSTICE members) - click here for more information and an order form (November 2007)
JUSTICE welcomes creation of Youth Justice Unit and calls for new focus
Click here for the press release (November 2007)
JUSTICE reminds reviewers of rape law that legal changes are not the whole answer
JUSTICE today responded to David Cameron's pledge to tackle low conviction rates for rape, reminding politicians that legal changes are not the whole answer and that the right to a fair trial must be protected. Click here for the press release (November 2007)
JUSTICE republishes Lord Alexander’s seminal lecture
Iraq: the pax Americana and the law
‘ ... a virtuoso performance. Many others have now argued in similar vein, but Alexander was the first of his legal stature to do so, and his lecture reads and convinces today just as powerfully as when he gave it.’
Marcel Berlins, The Guardian, 20 March 2006
To download a PDF of the lecture, click here.
For more information click here.
Free printed copies are available - please email your details to admin@justice.org.uk.
JUSTICE is grateful to 3-4 South Square Chambers for its support of this publication.
The Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights Conference 2007
New Policy, New Practice?
Wednesday 12 December 2007
Organised by JUSTICE and Sweet & Maxwell
For more information click here
JUSTICE Press Release: House of Lords decides control order appeals: 'A victory for fairness over secrecy'
Click here to read the press release and here to read our control orders appeals briefing paper (October 2007)
JUSTICE launches second Futures paper: The Future of the Rule of Law (October 2007)
House of Lords hears appeal against indefinite detention in Iraq
On 29 October, the House of Lords began hearing an appeal against the indefinite detention of a dual Iraqi/UK national in southern Iraq by British forces. A key issue in the case concerns whether UN Security Council resolution 1546 overrides Article 5 (the right to liberty) of the European Convention on Human Rights. JUSTICE and Liberty have been granted leave to intervene jointly in the case. Click here to read the written submissions or click here to read the press release (October 2007)
JUSTICE invites you to the launch of:
A British Bill of Rights
Informing the debate
Monday 19 November, 6pm
The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1PL
Speakers:
Michael Wills MP, Minister of State for the Ministry of Justice
Dominic Grieve QC MP, Shadow Attorney General
Baroness Williams of Crosby, Liberal Democratic Party
Roger Smith, Director of JUSTICE
Professor Kate Malleson, Queen Mary, University of London (chair)
The event is free, but reservation is essential - please reply to events@justice.org.uk
For more information click here

The JUSTICE / Tom Sargant memorial annual lecture
Are judges now out of their depth?
Given by Professor Conor Gearty of the Centre for the Study of Human Rights, London School of Economics on Wednesday 17 October 2007. The lecture was hosted by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.
Click here to read the lecture
JUSTICE Student Human Rights Network
Autumn 2007 electronic bulletin published
We will be holding two student seminars in November - click here for further information (October 2007)
JUSTICE briefing on the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill for second reading in the House of Commons
Click here to read the briefing (October 2007)
Human Rights Awards 2007
Call for nominations launched - click here for further information (October 2007)
Further evidence to the House of Common Home Affairs Committee on Counter Terrorism Proposals
Click here to read JUSTICE's response to the further details of the government's counter-terrorism proposals (September 2007)
JUSTICE publishes first Futures paper: 'The Future of Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights'
A new paper argues that successive UK governments have paid too much attention to public fears over terrorism, at the expense of basic rights. Click here to read the paper and here to read the press release (September 2007)
JUSTICE submission to the Joint Committee on Human Rights inquiry into a British Bill of Rights
Click here to read JUSTICE's letter to the JCHR and here to read the interim report of JUSTICE's project on a Bill of Rights for Britain. The final report will be launched this November (August 2007)
JUSTICE calls for fundamental reform of ‘flawed’ system of IPP sentencing
Click here to read the press release (August 2007)
JUSTICE opposes further extension of pre-charge detention
JUSTICE warned against any further extension of pre-charge detention beyond the current 28 day limit following the Prime Minister's announcement of fresh consultation on the issue. Click here to read the Prime Minister's statement and here to read JUSTICE's press release (July 2007)
JUSTICE submission to the House of Common Home Affairs Committee on Counter Terrorism Proposals
On 7 June the government published a discussion paper containing proposed counter-terrorism measures. Click here to read the government's discussion paper and here to JUSTICE's submissions to the Home Affairs Committee inquiry concerning the proposals (July 2007)
Control orders appeals reach House of Lords
On 5 July, the House of Lords began hearing an appeal against the control order scheme under the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005. JUSTICE has been granted leave to intervene in the case by way of oral and written arguments, building upon our earlier intervention in the Court of Appeal in July 2006. Click here to read JUSTICE's written submissions in the House of Lords and here to read the press release (July 2007)
JUSTICE response to The Governance of Britain green paper
On 3 July the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, made a statement to Parliament detailing proposals for constitutional reform and the Ministry of Justice published a green paper on these reforms. To read JUSTICE's preliminary response to the green paper click here (July 2007)
YL v Birmingham City Council and others
On 20 June, the House of Lords held by a 3-2 majority that the Human Rights Act does not apply to publicly-funded patients in private care homes. JUSTICE intervened jointly with Liberty and the British Institute of Human Rights to argue for a broad interpretation of the Act. Click here to read the judgment and here to read JUSTICE's press release (June 2007)
Al Skeini and others v Secretary of State for Defence
On 13 June, the House of Lords held by a 4-1 majority that the Human Rights Act applies to all those detained in military custody by UK forces overseas. JUSTICE was part of a coalition of 11 NGOs intervening in the case. Click here to read the judgment and here to read JUSTICE's press release (June 2007)
JUSTICE press release welcoming the publication of the Discrimination Law Review
Click here to read (June 2007)
JUSTICE briefing on the Serious Crime Bill for second reading in the House of Commons
Click here to read (June 2007)
Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Bill
JUSTICE, together with the Prison Reform Trust, Liberty and Inquest have produced a briefing for House of Commons consideration of House of Lords amendments. Click here for the briefing and here for press release (May 2007)
JUSTICE submission to the House of Common Home Affairs Committee on a Surveillance Society. Click here to read (April 2007)
YL v Birmingham City Council
On 30 April, the House of Lords will begin hearing an appeal concerning the definition of 'public authority' under the Human Rights Act 1998. JUSTICE are intervening jointly with Liberty and the British Institute of Human Rights to argue for a broad interpretation, to ensure that public authorities do not evade their human rights obligations by outsourcing functions to private companies. Click here to read the interveners' written submissions and here to read the press release (April 2007)
JUSTICE welcomes SIAC's rejection of Libyan torture deal
On 27 April, the Special Immigration Appeals Commission held that the government's memorandum of understanding with the Libyan government was not a sufficient safeguard against torture to satisfy the requirements of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Click here to read SIAC's judgment and here to read the press release (April 2007)
JUSTICE has submitted evidence to the House of Lords European Union Committee Sub Committee E (Law and Institutions) inquiry into the European Commission's Proposed Framework Decision on the European Supervision Order in pre-trial procedures between Member States (Council number 12367/06; Commission number COM (2006) 468. To read the evidence click here (April 2007)
Al Skeini and others v Secretary of State for Defence
On 17 April, the House of Lords began hearing an appeal concerning the application of the Human Rights Act 1998 to the actions of UK soldiers in southern Iraq. JUSTICE is part of a coalition of 11 NGOs intervening in the case. Click here to read the coalition's written submissions and here to read the press release (April 2007)
JUSTICE response to Draft Supreme Court Rules consultation
Click here to read JUSTICE's response (April 2007)
Policing and Human Rights: Myths, challenges, and realities
Conference organised by JUSTICE and Sweet & Maxwell
Thursday 24 May 2007
Jolly Hotel St Ermin's, 2 Caxton Street, London SW1
Law Society and Bar Council Accredited: 6 hours CPD
Standard fee: £350 + VAT
JUSTICE member fee: £299 + VAT
To view full programme including a booking form click here
JUSTICE opposes Fraud (Trials without a Jury) Bill
JUSTICE press release: JUSTICE welcomes Lords vote to save jury trial
JUSTICE briefing for second reading in the House of Lords of the Fraud (Trials without a Jury) Bill. We oppose the Bill in its entirety (March 2007)
JUSTICE describes Carlile Report on Definition of Terrorism as 'disappointingly narrow'
The report of Lord Carlile of Berriew QC on the statutory definition of terrorism recommends some positive changes but does not go far enough, according to JUSTICE - click here to read the full press release, here to read JUSTICE's submissions to Lord Carlile's review in March 2006 and here to read JUSTICE's submissions in the related case of R v F in the Court of Appeal in February 2007 (March 2007)
JUSTICE publishes proposals for reform of sentencing
JUSTICE has published its response to the Home Affairs Select Committee inquiry Towards Effective Sentencing (March 2007)
JUSTICE briefing for the House of Lords debate on the renewal of control order legislation. Click here to read the briefing (March 2007)
JUSTICE response to DCA consultation on Voting Rights of Convicted Prisoners Detained within the United Kingdom. Click here to read JUSTICE's response (March 2007)
A Bill of Rights for Britain? JUSTICE publishes discussion paper (February 2007) and arranges public meeting (29 March 2007)
JUSTICE Press Release 28 February 2007
JUSTICE welcomes the Equalities Review Final Report that was published today. Nonetheless, JUSTICE remains concerned that, although building consensus and other ‘soft’forms of equality promotion are important, the role of the law and the machinery with which to enforce it should not be diminished or undermined. Click here to read the press release (February 2007)

JUSTICE briefing for the House of Commons debate on the renewal of control order legislation. Click here to read the briefing (February 2007)
JUSTICE briefing for second reading in the House of Lords on the Serious Crime Bill (Part I) (February 2007)
R v F
On 5 February, the Criminal Division of the Court of Appeal heard an interlocutory appeal concerning the definition of terrorism under section 1 of the Terrorism Act 2000. JUSTICE was granted permission to intervene in the case. Click here to read JUSTICE's written submissions (February 2007)
JUSTICE calls on Peers to support justice for deaths in custody
JUSTICE, together with Liberty, the Prison Reform Trust and INQUEST, have produced a joint set of suggested amendments to the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Bill, which is in House of Lords Report stage on 5 February 2007. Deaths caused by gross corporate negligence in the care and treatment of prisoners and detainees are currently excluded from the ambit of the corporate manslaughter offence. We support the inclusion of such deaths within the ambit of the offence, to ensure proper accountability and to encourage safe policies and practices. Click here to see the press release and here to see the amendments (February 2007)
JUSTICE response to Nuffield Council on Bioethics consultation on the ethical issues arising from the forensic use of bioinformation (including DNA evidence). Click here to read JUSTICE's response (January 2007)
JUSTICE Student Human Rights Network
JUSTICE has published the second electronic bulletin for the student network. Click here to read it and here for the main webpage for the network (January 2007)
JUSTICE has published its response to the Home Office consultation 'Making Sentencing Clearer - A consultation and report of a review by the Home Secretary, Lord Chancellor and Attorney General.Click here to read the response (January 2007)

JUSTICE's amendments to the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Bill for Grand Committee for the House of Lords Grand Committee Click here to read the briefing (December 2006)

STANDING COMMITTEE FOR YOUTH JUSTICE Press Release 11 December 2006
Nearly 3000 children will spend Christmas behind bars, often hundreds of miles away from their home and family. It is time for a new approach to dealing with children in trouble, one which is more effective, less costly and less damaging then the ever increasing use of custody. JUSTICE is a member of SCYJ. Click here to download the report. Click here to read the press release (December 2006)

JUSTICE submission to the Joint Committee on Human Rights on the meaning of 'public authority' under the Human Rights Act. Click here to download (December 2006)

JUSTICE response to OCJR consultation Quashing Convictions: Report of a review by the Home Secretary, Lord Chancellor and Attorney General
Home Office Click here to download (December 2006)

Common Principles - Differing Policies
Political lawyers in debate
16 January 2007 at 6pm
A joint meeting of JUSTICE with
· The Liberal Democrat Lawyers Association
· The Society of Conservative Lawyers
· The Society of Labour Lawyers
Places are free, but advanced reservation is essential. To book your place email: events@justice.org.uk
At JUSTICE's formation in 1957, three organisations representing the main political parties nominated three members each to its council and it has continued ever since as an all-party organisation. This event provides an opportunity for lawyer politicians within each major party to discuss the principles that, as lawyers, they have in common while explaining how their parties differ in the policies by which such principles might be implemented.

JUSTICE will present its own draft manifesto for the rule of law as a statement of what the common values might be.

Speakers
· The Rt Hon The Lord Goldsmith QC
· Dominic Grieve MP
· Simon Hughes MP
· Roger Smith
Chair
· Baroness Helena Kennedy QC

To be followed by a drinks reception

Venue
The Conference Centre
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Northcliffe House, 28 Tudor Street, London EC4Y 0AY
(at the Junction with Bouverie Street
JUSTICE is grateful to Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer for hosting this event
JUSTICE briefing to the House of Lords on the second reading of the Corporate Manslaughter Bill. Click here to download the briefing (December 2006)
The annual JUSTICE/Liberty Human Rights Awards were held on Tuesday 12 December (December 2006)

JUSTICE Press Release 11 December 2006
JUSTICE today urged the government to proceed with caution in removing the prohibition against judges returning to practice. Click here to read the press release. Click here to read the briefing

JUSTICE amendments for House of Commons Report Stage on the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Bill. Click here to see the suggested amendments (November 2006)
JUSTICE urges MPs to oppose the Fraud (Trials without a Jury) Bill. Click here to read the briefing (November 2006)

JUSTICE briefing to the House of Lords on the second reading of the Mental Health Bill. Click here to read the briefing (November 2006)

JUSTICE calls on MPs to end wrongful extraditions
JUSTICE, together with Liberty, the CBI, the Institute of Directors and others, has written to MPs calling upon them to support amendments to the Police and Justice Bill that would provide safeguards against unjust extraditions. For a copy of the letter click here. For the press release click here.

Intercept Evidence: Lifting the ban
A JUSTICE Report
The UK is the only country in the common law world that prohibits completely the use of intercepted communications as evidence in criminal proceedings. At the same time, evidential difficulties in terrorism cases have been used to justify such exceptional measures as control orders and indefinite detention without trial. JUSTICE has released a report recommending lifting the ban on intercept evidence in the UK. The report includes analysis of the arguments for and against the use of intercept material and includes a comparative study on the use of intercept evidence in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States. Click here for a pdf copy of the report or click here to read the press release (October 2006)

JUSTICE written evidence to the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee inquiry into current issues of EU Justice & Home Affairs Click here to read the briefing (October 2006)

JUSTICE briefing to the House of Lords for Report stage of the Police and Justice Bill on two areas of concern: inspectorate reform, and the use of prison service custody for children Click here to read the briefing (October 2006)
JUSTICE / Tom Sargant memorial annual lecture 2006
Tuesday 17 October 2006, 6.30pm
Politics and the Law: Constitutional balance or institutional confusion?
Professor Jeffrey Jowell QC
Professor of Law, University College London
Chair: Lord Steyn
The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1PL
Free, but reservation essential: email lectures@justice.org.uk, or call 020 7762 6422
Custody and Detention conference: obligations, rights and remedies
Organised by JUSTICE and Sweet & Maxwell
Wednesday 6 December 2006
Jolly Hotel St Ermin's, 2 Caxton Street, London SW1
Law Society and Bar Council Accredited: 6 hours CPD
Standard fee: £325 plus VAT (10% discount for JUSTICE members)
Click here for more information
JUSTICE briefing to the House of Commons on the second reading of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Bill Click here to read the briefing (October 2006)

JUSTICE calls for a rebalancing of EU justice and home affairs policies. Click here for the press release. Click here for the open letter to JHA ministers (September 2006)

JUSTICE submission to the House of Lords EU Sub-Committee F on the second generation Schengen Information System (SIS II) Click here to read the submission (September 2006)

JUSTICE response to the Office for Criminal Justice Reform consultation Convicting Rapists and Protecting Victims - Justice for Victims of Rape Click here to read the response

Court of Appeal rules virtual house arrest unlawful. On 1 August, the Court of Appeal upheld the decision of the High Court to quash 6 control orders on the basis that they deprived the defendants of their liberty under Article 5 ECHR. However, the Court also overturned the earlier ruling of Mr Justice Sullivan that the control order legislation was incompatible with the right to a fair hearing under Article 6. JUSTICE was granted permission to intervene in both cases. Click here to read the Article 5 judgment, click here to read the Article 6 judgment, and click here to read JUSTICE's press release (August 2006)

The Human Rights Law Conference 2006
Organised by JUSTICE and Sweet & Maxwell
8th Annual Conference
Thursday 26 October 2006
Savoy Place, London WC2R 0BL
Law Society and Bar Council Accredited: 6 hours CPD
Standard fee: £325 plus VAT (10% discount for JUSTICE members)
Click here for more information
JUSTICE welcomes DCA review on Human Rights Act. Click here to read the press release (July 2006)

JUSTICE/Liberty joint briefing/amendments in relation to new proposed clauses of the Police and Justice Bill on the use of video links in criminal proceedings. Click here to download the briefing (July 2006)

JUSTICE Press Release 6 July 2006
JUSTICE urges Peers to save 'bright light' of prisons watchdog. Amendments have been tabled to the Police and Justice Bill by, amongst others, the former Chief Inspector of Prisons Lord Ramsbotham, which would ensure that the Inspectorate of Prisons remained outside the super-inspectorate and retained its independence. JUSTICE has asked members of the House of Lords to support these amendments, in a letter and short briefing note. Click here to read the press release, here to read JUSTICE's briefing and here to read JUSTICE's letter (July 2006)

JUSTICE urges reform of extradition law
JUSTICE today asked members of the House of Lords to amend the 2003 Extradition Act, so that people in the UK are better protected from wrongful extradition. Click here for the letter and here for the briefing note (July 2006)
JUSTICE warns of dangers in losing HM Prisons Inspectorate
JUSTICE today asked Peers to support amendments excluding HM Prisons Inspectorate from the merger, proposed in the Police and Justice Bill, of the criminal justice inspectorates. Click here for the letter and here for the briefing note (July 2006)
JUSTICE Press Release 28 June 2006
'Control orders 'a threat to basic fairness'. On 28 June, the High Court quashed 6 control orders on the basis that they breached the appellant's right to liberty under Article 5 ECHR. On 3 July, the Court of Appeal will begin hearing the Secretary of State's appeal against the ruling of Mr Justice Sullivan that control order proceedings breach the right to a fair hearing under Article 6 ECHR. JUSTICE has been granted permission to intervene in the case. Click here to read JUSTICE's press release and click here to read JUSTICE's submissions (June 2006)

JUSTICE welcomes debate on 'home-grown' Bill of Rights but identifies several difficulties with the proposals put forward by Conservative leader David Cameron. Click here for a copy of the press release (June 2006)
JUSTICE submission on the proposed use of Article 42 on the Treaty of the European Union to the House of Lords EU Select-Committee E Click here to view (June 06)

Ron Jones v Saudi Arabia
On 14 June 2006, the House of Lords ruled that Saudi Arabia could claim immunity from a civil claim of torture in the UK courts. JUSTICE, together with REDRESS, Amnesty International and INTERIGHTS intervened to argue that torture should be recognised as an exception to the doctrine of state immunity.
Click here to read the judgment of the House of Lords and click here to read the intervenors' reaction.
JUSTICE briefing on the Fraud Bill for the second reading in the House of Commons Click here to read (June 2006)

Professional values need more protection
JUSTICE briefing to the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the draft Legal Services Bill and press release (June 2006)
JUSTICE briefing on the Police and Justice Bill for the second reading in the House of Lords. Click here to read the briefing. Click here to read the press release (June 2006)

JUSTICE responds to Home Office consultation on a code of practice for detention of persons suspected of terrorism offences Click here to read our response (June 2006)

JUSTICE evidence on the G6 Home Affairs Ministers meeting in Heiligendamm to the House of Lords EU Sub-Committee F Click here to view the evidence (May 2006)

JUSTICE briefing to the European Parliament on the proposed Framework Decision on the transfer of sentenced persons Click here to read the briefing (May 2006)

A joint letter from UK human rights NGOs to the Lord Chancellor concerning recent attacks on the Human Rights Act 1998 Click here to read the letter (May 2006)

Professor Philippe Sands QC, University College London and Matrix Chambers, gives second JUSTICE International Rule of Law Lecture
For the full transcript of the lecture, Extraordinary Rendition: complicity and its consequences, given at Middle Temple Hall on Monday 15 May 2006, click here
JUSTICE responds to Law Commission consultation paper no. 178, Post-Legislative Scrutiny Click here to read our response (May 2006)

Corporate Liability
Human rights and the modern business
Organised by JUSTICE and Sweet & Maxwell
Hosted by Clifford Chance, 10 Upper Bank Street, London E14

Monday 12 June 2006 * 9.30am - 5pm * 6 hours Law Society/Bar Council CPD

Standard fee: £325 plus VAT. 10% discount for JUSTICE members.

A one-day conference discussing all the latest key issues including:
· International developments - how will recent UN initiatives affect transnational business?
· The law of bribery - proposed reforms
· The Corporate Manslaughter Bill - too little too late?
· Corporations and the Human Rights Act - domestic accountability

For full details in PDF format, including a booking form, please click here.

For further enquiries: Call (020) 7393 7980 Email: conferences@sweetandmaxwell.co.uk

Keynote speaker
Sir Geoffrey Chandler, Founder-Chair Amnesty International UK Business Group and former Director Shell International

Speakers
Jonathan Cooper, Doughty Street Chambers
Andrew Edgar, Clifford Chance
Gerry Facenna, Monckton Chambers
Michael Ford, Old Square Chambers
Richard Hermer, Doughty Street Chambers
Nicholas Howen, International Commission of Jurists
Charles Lawton, Rio Tinto PLC
Rae Lindsay, Clifford Chance
Geoffrey Nice QC, 1 Temple Gardens
Colin Nicholls QC, 3 Raymond Buildings
Monty Raphael, Peters and Peters
Graham Rodmell, Transparency International UK
JUSTICE Press Release 9 May 2006
On Wednesday 10 May, the House of Commons will debate amendments to the Police and Justice Bill aimed at safeguarding the rights of people sought for extradition by the United States and other nations. JUSTICE has written to all MPs to outline our concerns about UK-US extradition arrangements and urging them to support the Early Day Motion (EDM 241) and the amendment of the Extradition Act 2003 to satisfy our concerns.
Click here to see the press release, here to see the letter and here to see the briefing note.
JUSTICE today published its response to Law Commission consultation paper no. 177, A New Homicide Act for England and Wales?
The Commission have proposed a new structure of homicide offences, the three main offences being 'first degree murder', 'second degree murder', and manslaughter. While retaining some concerns about the detail, we are broadly supportive of the Commission's proposals.
Click here to read our response (May 2006)
JUSTICE and the Amnesty EU office have written a joint letter to the EU JHA on the proposal for a Council Framework Decision on certain Procedural Rights in criminal proceedings throughout the European Union
Click here to read the letter and here for the press release (April 2006)
Response to the European Commission's Green Paper on conflicts of jurisdiction and the principle of ne bis in idem in criminal proceedings Click here to read the briefing (April 2006)

JUSTICE briefing on the Violent Crime Reduction Bill for the second reading in the House of Lords. Click here to read the briefing (March 2006)

Philippe Sands to give second JUSTICE International Rule of Law Lecture
Professor Philippe Sands QC, of University College, London and Matrix Chambers, will give a lecture entitled Extraordinary Rendition: complicity and its consequences at Middle Temple Hall in London at 6.15pm on Monday 15 May 2006. The lecture is free - to reserve your place please e-mail lectures@justice.org.uk

Mary Robinson gives first JUSTICE International Rule of Law Lecture
For full transcript of lecture, Five years on from 9/11: Time to reassert the rule of law, given at Middle Temple Hall on Monday 20 March 2006, click here

Eminent Jurists Panel on Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights to visit London, 24-25 April
The Eminent Jurists Panel is an independent panel of 8 international judges, lawyers and legal academics established by the International Commission of Jurists to conduct a global inquiry into terrorism, counter-terrorism and human rights. The Panel will be holding public sessions in London on 24-25 April to hear oral evidence on key issues. The Panel is currently inviting written submissions from any interested individual or organisation on the impact on the impact of terrorism and counter-terrorism policies on the protection of human rights in the UK.
To see the call for submissions click here, to read the brochure containing details of the Panel's work click here, or here to visit the Panel's website.

JUSTICE response to Lord Carlile's review of the definition of terrorism in UK law
Click here to read JUSTICE's submission to the review by the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, Lord Carlile of Berriew QC, on the definition of terrorism in UK law, or click here to read the appendix containing definitions of terrorism in international law and comparative common law jurisdictions (March 2006)

A joint letter to EU Council experts on minimum safeguards for criminal proceedings throughout the EU Click here to read the letter (March 2006)

JUSTICE briefing for the House of Lords consideration of the House of Commons amendments to the Identity Cards Bill Click here to read the briefing (March 2006)
Constitutional Law Group event on the Torture case
On 28 February, Eric Metcalfe, Director of Human Rights Policy at JUSTICE, will speak at a seminar organised by the Constitutional Law Group on the recent House of Lords judgment on the use of torture evidence. For further details click here (February 2006).

JUSTICE calls for review of UK-US extradition arrangements
Click here for a copy of the press release (21 February 2006)
JUSTICE briefing for the House of Commons consideration of Lord Amendments to the Terrorism Bill Click here to read the briefing (February 2006)
JUSTICE briefing for the House of Commons debate on the renewal of control order legislation Click here to read the briefing (February 2006)

Extradition, Deportation and Rendition: Protecting rights across borders - one-day JUSTICE conference (31 March 2006)
JUSTICE submission to the Department for Constitutional Affairs on a proposal for an EU Third Pillar Data Protection instrument. Click here to read the briefing (February 2006)

JUSTICE submission to the Joint Committee on Human Rights inquiry into control orders. Click here to read the briefing (February 2006)

HRLA event on the right to protest
On 22 February, Sally Ireland, Senior Legal Officer at JUSTICE, will speak at a seminar hosted by the Human Rights Lawyers Association on the right to protest. The event is free for members of the HRLA and JUSTICE (non-members £10).
For further details click here (February 2006)

JUSTICE briefing on the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill for the House of Commons for consideration of the House of Lords amendments (January 2006)
LSE lectures to stress importance of rule of law in underpinning human rights

JUSTICE submission to the Joint Committee on Human Rights inquiry into human trafficking. Click here to read the briefing (January 2006)

JUSTICE immensely saddened at the death of Lord Alexander of Weedon QC
Bob Alexander was an outstanding advocate, an enormous intellect and a generous man. He led a team which transformed JUSTICE in the mid-1990s and was chair of JUSTICE's council for 15 years. He intended his legacy to be our sustained success. We will miss his counsel.

JUSTICE briefing for the House of Lords report stage on the Terrorism Bill
Click here to read the briefing (January 2006)

JUSTICE Press Release
Al Jedda v Secretary of State for Defence
On 16-18 January, the Court of Appeal heard an appeal concerning whether UN Security Council resolution 1546 can displace the right to liberty under the Human Rights Act 1998. JUSTICE was granted permission to intervene. Click here to read JUSTICE's written case prepared by Shaheed Fatima or click here to read the press release (January 2006)

JUSTICE briefing for the House of Lords report stage on the Identity Cards Bill
Click here to read the briefing (January 2006)
JUSTICE Journal Volume 2 Number 2 2005 is published
The fourth edition of the JUSTICE Journal is now out. Papers include:
- Changing the rules: the judiciary, human rights and the constitution
  The JUSTICE annual debate
- Power and accountability: corporate responsibility in the age of human rights
  Jonathan Cooper
- Old wine in new bottles: human rights, legal aid and the new Europe
  Roger Smith
Annual subscription £60 / $120 / €120 (10% discount for JUSTICE members)
Click here for further information (December 2005)
JUSTICE Press Release
JUSTICE welcomes consultation on law of homicide
Click here to read the press release (20 December 2005)
JUSTICE Press Release
JUSTICE welcomes Select Committee report on corporate manslaughter
Click here to read the press release (20 December 2005)
JUSTICE submission to the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee inquiry into terrorism detention powers
Click here to read the briefing (December 2005)
The annual JUSTICE/Liberty/Law Society Human Rights Awards were held in front of a capacity audience at the Law Society in London's Chancery Lane on Monday 12 December.
JUSTICE response to DCA consultation on hearing the relatives of murder and manslaughter victims
Click here to read the briefing (December 2005)

JUSTICE Press Release
JUSTICE welcomes today's historic 7-0 ruling of the House of Lords which prohibits the British government from relying upon evidence obtained by torture.
Click here to read JUSTICE's press release (8 December 2005)

JUSTICE submission to the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee inquiry into immigration control
Click here to read the briefing (December 2005)
JUSTICE criticises proposed new driving offences
Click here to read the press release. Click here to read the briefing. (November 2005)
JUSTICE Briefing on Equality Bill for second reading in the House of Commons (November 2005)
JUSTICE Briefing on Terrorism Bill for second reading in the House of Lords (November 2005)
New JUSTICE publication
ASYLUM SUPPORT
A practitioners' guide to the EU Reception Directive
by Anneliese Baldaccini
"This is a very helpful and practical guide to the important and potentially difficult issues which will arise in the years to come."
Rabinder Singh QC, Matrix Chambers - from his foreword
Practitioners advising asylum seekers can no longer afford to be unaware of European Community law. The EU Reception Directive - which imposes minimum standards of support on all member states - is now part of UK law.
Asylum Support: a practitioners' guide to the EU Reception Directive is a clear and concise examination of the directive, its transposition into UK law and its implications for those advising asylum seekers. Part I gives a basic grounding in European Community law. Part II deals with the directive itself, and the steps which the UK has taken to implement its requirements.
This guide will:
· help advisers to interpret the new rules and asylum support regulations
· assist with challenges where domestic provisions appear to fall short of Community law standards
Published 3 November 2005
ISBN 0 907247 41 5
166 pages
Price: £17 (£15 to JUSTICE members)
JUSTICE / Liberty Human Rights Awards 2005
2005 has been a difficult year for human rights. But it is in difficult times that human rights are most important. The annual Human Rights Awards aim to recognise and encourage individuals and organisations whose work is dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights of others.
That dedication is sometimes vilified, often ignored. The Human Rights Awards are your chance to set the record straight. By nominating an individual or organisation, you will not only acknowledge their contribution to the advancement of human rights in the UK, but also ensure that they are an inspiration to others.
What Awards will be made?
- Human Rights Lawyer of the Year for solicitors, barristers, legal executives, trainees, pupils, legal academics and judges.
- The Human Rights Award for organisations and non-legal individuals.
- The Peter Duffy Award* for individuals (campaigners, lawyers, activists, academics etc) aged 35 or under.
*The Peter Duffy Award commemorates the life and achievements of one of the UK's most highly dedicated human rights lawyers. Peter Duffy QC was particularly supportive of younger lawyers, giving freely of his time and skills. An important part of his human rights work was done pro bono for organisations including Liberty and JUSTICE.Nominations close on Tuesday 8 November 2005.
For full information about the Awards, the judges and how to make a nomination, please click here.

The Freedom of Information Act Conference 2005
Conference organised by JUSTICE and Sweet & Maxwell
Wednesday 7 December 2005
Lessons from the Act's first year - leading experts present the latest thinking on how the ACT is working in practice.
Click here for a PDF version of the conference flyer, including a booking form
For further information please contact the Conference Administrator at Sweet & Maxwell on telephone 020 7393 7859 or email conferences@sweetandmaxwell.co.uk

JUSTICE Briefing for Committee stage in the House of Lords on the Identity Cards Bill Click here to read the briefing.(November 2005)

JUSTICE Press Release
JUSTICE warns that we lose juries 'at our peril'
JUSTICE today warned that the Government's plans to abolish the right to jury trial in serious fraud cases may lead to an increase in wrongful convictions.
Click here to read JUSTICE's press release.(11 November 2005)

JUSTICE Press Release (3 November 2005)
Law Lords unanimously condemn withdrawal of support for asylum seekers
The Law Lords today held that the withdrawal of all support for asylum seekers, leaving them destitute, was contrary to Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which forbids inhuman and degrading treatment.
Click here to read the judgement in full and here to read JUSTICE's reaction.
(3 November 2005)

Changing The Rules: the judiciary, human rights and the constitution
'The rules have changed', the Prime Minister famously stated as he announced a package of measures to deal with terrorism in the wake of the London bombings in July 2005. In relation to deportations, he warned the judiciary not to interfere with proposals to negotiate agreements with states that have, until now, been regarded as unable to give guarantees that deportees will not be tortured.

The Prime Minister has kick-started a debate for which JUSTICE had been preparing. The core question is: what are the appropriate relative powers of the judiciary, the executive and the legislature within a democracy that commits itself to international standards of human rights?

JUSTICE has produced a discussion paper as a prelude to a longer examination.

Our objectives are:
· to chart the changing balance of power between the judiciary, executive and legislature
· to identify where problems and uncertainties are located; and
· to articulate a re-balancing of powers within the constitution to meet contemporary pressures.

We intend to publish a final report in the year of JUSTICE's 50th anniversary, 2007.

We welcome comments on questions raised in the discussion paper - please email rsmith@justice.org.uk.

These issues were the subject of JUSTICE / Tom Sargant annual memorial debate held on 18 October 2005.

JUSTICE briefing for second reading of the Identity Cards Bill in the House of Lords (October 2005)

JUSTICE briefing on the Equality Bill for report stage in the House of Lords (October 2005)

JUSTICE response to Equality and Diversity: Coming of Age Consultation from the DTI (October 2005)

JUSTICE briefing on the Terrorism Bill for second reading in the House of Commons (October 2005)

JUSTICE press release: JUSTICE supports cross party early day motion in favour of jury trials (October 2005)

Eminent Jurists begin global inquiry into human rights and counter-terrorism. On 19 October, the International Commission of Jurists launched the Eminent Jurists Panel, a panel of 8 respected international jurists, who will hold hearings in different regions across the world over the next 18 months to examine the impact of counter-terrorism measures in different countries on the legal protection of human rights.
The panel will be chaired by Arthur Chaskalson, the former Chief Justice of the South African Constitutional court and will include Mary Robinson, the former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The panel is expected to hold hearings in London in early 2006.
Click here to read the ICJ press release or here to read further details of the Panel's work (20 October 2005)
JUSTICE response to Joint Committee on Human Rights inquiry into Counter-Terrorism Policy and Human Rights
Click here to download a copy (October 2005)
JUSTICE briefing on the Violent Crime Reduction Bill for the committee stage in the House of Commons
Click here to download a copy (October 2005)

JUSTICE response to the Home Office consultation on PACE Codes of Practice Click here to download a copy (October 2005)

JUSTICE submission to the Home Affairs/Work and Pensions sub-committees on the Draft Corporate Manslaughter Bill
Click here to download a copy (October 2005)

JUSTICE and Liberty's joint submission to the JCHR inquiry into the UK's compliance with the UN Convention Against Torture
Read a copy of the joint submission here or click here for a copy of JUSTICE and Liberty's joint submission to the UN Committee against Torture in November 2004 (September 2005)

JUSTICE preliminary briefing on the draft Terrorism Bill
Click here for a copy of the briefing and here for a copy of the draft Bill (September 2005)
JUSTICE response to the Home Office consultation on Exclusion or Deportation from the UK on Non-Conducive Grounds (August 2005)

JUSTICE letter to Charles Clarke concerning recent counter-terrorism proposals made in the wake of the London bombings (July 2005)
JUSTICE briefing on the Fraud Bill for Committee stage in the House of Lords (July 2005)
JUSTICE says Government's restricted protest area goes too far
JUSTICE briefing on the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (Designated Area) Order 2005 Click here to read the press release (July 2005)
Government 'has long way to go' on Draft Mental Health Bill - 13 July 2005
The Government responded to the Report of the Joint Committee on the Draft Mental Health Bill, indicating that some concessions would be made but continuing to resist some of the Report's major criticisms. The Mental Health Alliance, of which JUSTICE is a member, said that 'there is a long way to go before Government plans can be made into a workable mental health bill'. Click here to read the full press release and click here to read the government response to the Joint Committee.
JUSTICE briefing on the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill for the report stage in the House of Commons (July 2005)
JUSTICE and ICJ condemn bomb attacks in London - 7 July 2005
The ICJ and JUSTICE today condemned the bomb attacks that killed over 33 people in central London and injured many more. Click here to view a copy of the full press release.
House of Lords approves 'phantom hearings' - 7 July 2005
By a 3-2 majority, the House of Lords today approved the use of special advocates by the parole board despite the lack of explicit parliamentary approval and the severe impact on fair proceedings. However, two Law Lords, Lords Bingham and Steyn, severely criticised the parole board's decision. Click here to read the judgment in full and here to read JUSTICE's reaction.
JUSTICE briefing on the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Bill for second reading in the House of Commons (July 2005)
UK Presidency of the European Union
Click here to read the JUSTICE letter to the Prime Minister and here for a copy of the press release (July 2005)
JUSTICE response to Home Office consultation on Draft Corporate Manslaughter Bill Click here for a copy of the press release (June 2005)
JUSTICE briefing on the Identity Cards Bill for second reading in the House of Commons (June 2005)
JUSTICE briefing on the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill for second reading in the House of Commons (June 2005)
JUSTICE briefing on the Equality Bill for second reading in the House of Lords (June 2005)
JUSTICE welcomes UK report of the Commissioner on Human Rights
On 8 June, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr Alvaro Gil-Robles released his report on the UK's human rights performance. The report criticises numerous areas of government policy, including the use of control orders under the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005, its treatment of asylum seekers and young offenders, prison conditions and the increasing use of ASBOs.
Click here to read a copy of the report and here to read JUSTICE's press release (8 June 2005)
JUSTICE response to Home Office Consultation on the initiative of the Kingdom of Belgium regarding prohibitions arising from convictions for sexual offences committed against children (June 2005)
JUSTICE response to the Sentencing Advisory Panel's consultation paper on the circumstances when a court should make a recommendation for deportation following a criminal conviction. (May 2005)
JUSTICE letter to Charles Clarke regarding the UK-US Extradition Treaty 2003 (27 May 2005)
JUSTICE responds to Home Office driving law proposals
JUSTICE has responded to the Home Office consultation on road traffic offences involving bad driving. We propose reform to the definitions of dangerous and careless driving, and oppose proposed offences that would make unlicensed and disqualified drivers liable for any deaths occurring in collisions in which they were involved, even if the collision was not their fault. We believe that these offences would infringe basic principles of justice. (May 2005)
JUSTICE launches a new website providing information about the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms
http://www.eucharter.org
The website will help those interested in the Charter to learn more about its content and background. The site covers the history, content, legal status and frequently asked questions - and includes links to a wealth of other material. In due course, it will include detailed commentary on all of the Charter's provisions.
Click here for a copy of the press release (16 May 2005)
JUSTICE Journal Volume 2 Number 1 2005 is published
The third edition of the JUSTICE Journal is now out. Papers include:
- Protecting a free society? Control orders and the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005
  Eric Metcalfe
- Riding the push-me-pull-you in 2004: a year in the life of the Human Rights Act
  Helen Mountfield
- Equality and human rights
  Henrietta Hill and Professor Aileen McColgan
- EU partnerships under the Hague Programme: trading immigration controls for refugee needs
  Anneliese Baldaccini
Annual subscription £60 / $120 / €120 (10% discount for JUSTICE members)
Click here for further information (May 2005)
JUSTICE response to the Home Office consultation on the European Commission proposal on certain procedural rights in criminal proceedings throughout the European Union (May 2005)
How much freedom, security and justice?
Developments in EU Asylum and Immigration Law
Conference organised by the Immigration Law Practitioners' Association, in association with JUSTICE and the British Institute for International and Comparative Law
Friday 13 and Saturday 14 May 2005
Click here for a PDF version of the programme and booking form
For further information please contact ILPA on 020 7490 1553 or info@ilpa.org.uk

Roberts v Parole Board
On 20-21 April, the House of Lords heard an appeal against the use of the special advocates by the Parole Board. Keir Starmer QC presented oral arguments in the hearing on behalf of JUSTICE. Click here to read JUSTICE's written case or click here to read the press release (April 2005)
JUSTICE recommends measures to help preserve trial by jury
JUSTICE today published its response to the Department for Constitutional Affairs consultation paper on jury research and impropriety. We believe that jury trial should remain available for all serious offences - but the system should be as fair as possible. We therefore support the introduction of properly regulated research into how juries operate, and propose that the appeal courts should be able to investigate allegations of impropriety by juries. We also recommend measures to minimise instances of impropriety, including jury vetting.
Click here for a copy of the press release and here for a copy of the response (April 2005)
Consumer and legal groups publish 'Manifesto for Justice'
JUSTICE is part of a broad-based coalition of eight consumer interest and legal organisations which have published a 'Manifesto for Justice', calling on the three main political parties to commit themselves to upholding core values in the justice system.
Click here for a pdf version of the press release and here for a pdf version of the Manifesto (18 April 2005)
Cross Border Crime: defence rights in a new era of international judicial co-operation
Conference organised by JUSTICE and Sweet & Maxwell on Friday 15 April 2005
JUSTICE welcomes Constitutional Affairs Committee report into use of special advocates
On 3 April, the House of Commons Constitutional Affairs Committee strongly criticised the operation of the special advocate system in terrorism cases.
Click here to read a copy of its report, here to read JUSTICE's evidence to the Committee and here to read JUSTICE's press release (April 2005)
JUSTICE condemns coercive measures in Drugs Bill
JUSTICE has published a briefing on this Bill, which is due for Second Reading in the House of Lords on 4th April. The Bill will give police and magistrates the power to coerce people into undergoing medical scans, assessment and drug treatment, even where they have not been convicted of any crime.
Click here for a copy of the press release and here for a copy of the briefing (March 2005)
Mental Health Alliance welcomes report on the Draft Mental Health Bill
JUSTICE is a member of the Mental Health Alliance which today welcomed the report of the Joint Committee on the Draft Mental Health Bill. The report describes the Bill as 'fundamentally flawed' and warns that, if enacted, it would lead to too many people being treated against their will and erode human rights.
For a copy of the Joint Committee's Report click here.
Click here to read a copy of JUSTICE's evidence to the Committee or here to read the full MHA press release (March 2005)
JUSTICE briefing on the Identity Cards Bill for the House of Lords second reading (March 2005)
Press Release 11 March 2005
Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill: more threats to fundamental rights
While Parliament and the media concentrate on the terrorism legislation, another Bill due for Second Reading in the Lords on Monday threatens to restrict the right to protest and to create a UK 'FBI' without sufficient safeguards for human rights.
For our press release click here. For our briefing on Parts 1 and 2 of the Bill (SOCA and matters relating to investigations and prosecutions) click here. For our briefing on Parts 3-6 of the Bill other than the provisions on religious hatred (police powers and public order) click here.
JUSTICE briefing on the provisions of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill concerning incitement to religious hatred for the House of Lords second reading (March 2005)
Access to Justice Alliance
JUSTICE has signed up to the Access to Justice Alliance, a campaign supported by community groups, national charities, lawyers, advisers and others who feel that justice should remain accessible to all.
For further information click here to see the leaflet with details of a public meeting on Saturday 9 April 2005.
Press Release 7 March 2005
As the Prevention of Terrorism Bill is debated in the House of Lords, JUSTICE sets out 3 essential requirements for control orders: equality of arms between the parties, proof beyond reasonable doubt and a ban on the use of torture evidence. To read the full press release click here.
Joint briefing by JUSTICE and the International Commission of Jurists on the Prevention of Terrorism Bill for second reading in the House of Lords (March 2005)
Statement for Justice and Security
Click here to read the joint public statement by human rights NGOs including JUSTICE in support of fair trial rights under counter-terrorism laws. Click here to see who has already signed and click here to add your name to the statement.
Report and Annex to the Report from the European Commission on the European Arrest Warrant and the surrender procedures between Member States (February 2005)
JUSTICE briefing on the Prevention of Terrorism Bill for second reading in the House of Commons (February 2005). Click here for the briefing and here for the press release.
JUSTICE submission to consultation by the Department for Constitutional Affairs on broadcasting the courts (February 2005)
JUSTICE response to Increasing Diversity in the Judiciary questionnaire from the Department for Constitutional Affairs (February 2005)
Press release 22 February 2005
Prevention of Terrorism Bill
Following the publication of the Prevention of Terrorism Bill on 22 February 2005, JUSTICE condemned the government for trying to rush through key anti-terrorism laws without sufficient time for proper Parliamentary scrutiny.
For the full press release click here.
Press release 18 February 2005
Terrorism Summit: A Challenge for Party Leaders
On 18 February, the Prime Minister will meet the leaders of the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats to discuss proposals to replace Part 4 of the Anti-Terrorism Crime and Security Act 2001. JUSTICE renews its call for the main political parties to agree a counter-terrorism package that does not involve further departures from basic human rights standards. Click here for the full text of the press release.
JUSTICE written evidence to the House of Commons Constitutional Affairs Committee Inquiry on the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC). On 22 February, JUSTICE will also give oral evidence to the Committee concerning SIAC and the use of special advocates (February 2005).
JUSTICE letter to Lord Bassam of Brighton regarding the Extradition Act 2003 (Amendment of Designations) Order 2005 (7 February 2005)
Press release 4 February 2005
JUSTICE opposes the creation of offences protecting animal research and other organisations
Click here for the full text of the press release and here for the briefing on the new clauses proposed by the Home Secretary for inclusion in the Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill relating to the protection of organisations from economic damage and other interference with their activities.
Press release 2 February 2005
Use of force against intruders
JUSTICE welcomes the statement from the CPS and ACPO on the law on the use of force against intruders, and criticises the amendments proposed in the Criminal Law (Amendment) (Householder Protection) Bill.
Click here for the full text of the press release
Press release 26 January 2005
'A fix but not a solution' - JUSTICE response to the government announcement on terrorism powers
JUSTICE welcomes the government's announcement that it will end the use of indefinite detention of terrorist suspects but warns some of the proposed alternatives may not be compatible with human rights. Click here for the full text of the press release.
Press release 20 January 2005
Return to position of principle: time to repeal anti-terrorism law
The International Commission of Jurists and JUSTICE call for the repeal of the law that allows for indefinite administrative detention without trial.
Click here for the press release and here for a copy of the ICJ 2004 Berlin Declaration on upholding human rights and the rule of law in combating terrorism.
JUSTICE written evidence to the House of Lords Select Committee on the European Union (Sub-Committees E and F) inquiry into the Hague Programme (January 2005)
JUSTICE briefing for Standing Committee D of the House of Commons on the provisions of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill concerning incitement to religous hatred (January 2005)
The Need to Protect Faith Communities from Incitement to Hatred
JUSTICE, the Commission for Racial Equality, the British Humanist Association and the Muslim Council of Britain host a meeting on Thursday 13 January 2005 to clarify and explain why we are supporting the proposed legislation on incitement to religious hatred. For more information email admin@mcb.org.uk
JUSTICE response to the European Commission green paper on mutual recognition of non-custodial pre-trial supervision measures COM (2004) 562 final (December 2004)
JUSTICE response to the European Commission consultation on the Fundamental Rights Agency (December 2004)
JUSTICE joint press release on Identity Cards with the Bar Council and the Law Society
The legal profession calls on the government to abandon flawed ID cards scheme (17 December 2004)
JUSTICE and the International Commission of Jurists welcome the House of Lords historic 8-1 ruling against indefinite detention as a counter-terrorism measure. The Law Lords ruled that indefinite detention of foreign terrorist suspects under Part 4 of the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 was a disproportionate and discriminatory measure, and therefore incompatible with Articles 5 and 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Read the press releases from JUSTICE and the ICJ here and here, and the full text of the Lords judgment here. (December 2004)
JUSTICE response to the Home Office Consultation on the implementation of Council Directive 2003/09 of 27 January 2003 laying down minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers (December 2004)
JUSTICE Briefing on the Identity Cards Bill for the second reading in the House of Commons
Case not proven: click here for press release 15 December 2004
We have produced an information resource with the assistance of volunteers from Clifford Chance to provide information on some of the key areas and major themes relative to the debate (December 2004)
The Human Rights Awards 2004 - Winners Announced
The Awards are the joint venture of Liberty, JUSTICE and the Law Society and were presented at a ceremony in London on Thursday 9 December
JUSTICE Journal Volume 1 Number 2 2004 is published
The second edition of the JUSTICE Journal is now out. Papers include:
- 'Representative but not responsible': the use of special advocates in English law
  Eric Metcalfe
- Legal aid: a way forward
  Roger Smith
- Prosecuting by consent: a public prosecution service in the 21st century
  Ken Macdonald QC
Annual subscription £60 / $120 / €120 (10% discount for JUSTICE members)
Click here for the full contents of Volume 1 Issue 2 and order form.
Click here for the full contents of Volume 1 Issue 1 and order form.
JUSTICE letter to David Blunkett regarding the Extradition Treaty with the USA
(8 December 2004)
To read the reply from The Rt Hon Harriet Harman QC MP click here and the reply from Caroline Flint MP click here
JUSTICE press release 8 December 2004
Judicial inquiries: insufficent independence proposed
Click here for press release
JUSTICE briefing on the Inquiries Bill for the House of Lords Second Reading (December 2004)
JUSTICE briefing on the Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill for the House of Commons Second Reading (December 2004)

JUSTICE press release 30 November 2004
JUSTICE calls on MPs to oppose unfair extradition arrangements with US
Click for a copy of the press release, the letter to MPs and briefing note and Early Day Motion 179
JUSTICE submission to the Joint Committee on Human Rights
on the UN Committee on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination Concluding Observations of the United Kingdom's 17th Report
Click here for a copy of the submission (November 2004)
JUSTICE submission to the Joint Committee on the Draft Mental Health Bill.
The latest draft Mental Health Bill was published on 8 September 2004. Read JUSTICE's response here. JUSTICE is also a member of the Mental Health Alliance. You can read a copy of the Alliance's submission here. (November 2004)
Lord Justice Laws gave the keynote speech to the 6th annual JUSTICE/Sweet & Maxwell Human Rights Law Conference at Church House, Westminster on 15 October 2004. Download a pdf copy of the speech here
JUSTICE Briefing on the Housing Bill Amendment Clauses 180-182 relating to Gypsies and Travellers (October 2004)
JUSTICE and Liberty's joint submission to the UN Committee against Torture in response to the UK's 4th periodic report. The UK is due to report to the UN Committee against Torture in November 2004. Click here to read JUSTICE and Liberty's response to the UK report (October 2004)
JUSTICE response to the House of Lords Select Committee on the European Union, Sub-Committee E, Inquiry into the proposed Framework decision on certain procedural rights in criminal proceedings throughout the European Union (October 2004)
Human rights NGOs call on Law Lords to rule against anti-terror law
On the eve of a major legal challenge in the House of Lords, JUSTICE and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) call for the Law Lords to rule against Part 4 of the Anti-Terrorism Crime and Security Act 2001 permitting the indefinite detention of suspected terrorists. For the full press release click here.
JUSTICE Briefing on Mental Capacity Bill for the second reading in the House of Commons (revised October 2004)

JUSTICE and Liberty's amendments to the Civil Contingencies Bill for the Committee Stage in the House of Lords (September 2004)
JUSTICE written evidence for the House of Lords Select Committee on the European Union (Sub-Committee F) on EU Counter Terrorism Measures (September 2004)
JUSTICE response to the European Commission on The Future of Justice and Home Affairs (August 2004)
JUSTICE response to the European Scrutiny Committee's inquiry into the EU's Constitutional Treaty (August 2004)
JUSTICE response to the Home Office consultation on Counter-Terrorism Powers: Reconciling Liberty and Security in an Open Society (August 2004)
JUSTICE response to the White Paper from the Department for Trade and Industry Fairness for All: A New Commission for Equality and Human Rights (August 2004)
Roberts v Parole Board and Secretary of State for the Home Department.
On 28 July the Court of Appeal ruled that it was lawful for the Parole Board to adopt a 'special advocate' procedure that would involve secret evidence being given against a prisoner without his lawyers being present. JUSTICE had been granted permission to intervene in the case. Click here for JUSTICE's press release and here to read JUSTICE's submissions in this case.
JUSTICE response to the Department for Constitutional Affairs Consultation on Effective Inquiries (July 2004)
JUSTICE publish leaflet on the case for a new Equality Act
Click here for a pdf version of the leaflet "Keep It Simple"
UK organisations set out principles for new asylum system
JUSTICE has joined efforts with other leading refugee and human rights agencies in developing a set of principles and approaches which set out a positive, alternative agenda for improving the asylum system. Click here for a pdf version of the NGO working paper produced by the Refugee Council and here for the press release (July 2004)
JUSTICE response to the Department for Constitutional Affairs Consultation on Civil Court Fees (July 2004)
JUSTICE response to the Home Office Consultation on the European Evidence Warrant (July 2004)
JUSTICE response to the White Paper 'One Step Ahead - a 21st Century Strategy to Defeat Organised Crime' setting out the government's proposals to deal with organised crime (July 2004)
JUSTICE response to the Home Office Consultation on Legislation on Identity Cards (July 2004)
JUSTICE briefing on the Select Committee Report on the Constitutional Reform Bill for the House of Lords (July 2004)
JUSTICE response to Joint Committee on Human Rights inquiry into the government's Review of Counter-Terrorism Powers (June 2004)
JUSTICE response to the Joint Committee on Human Rights inquiry into the proposed Commission for Equality and Human Rights (June 2004)
JUSTICE briefing on the Civil Contingencies Bill for the House of Lords second reading (July 2004)
House of Lords Judgement in R v Special Adjudicator ex parte Ullah. Following interventions by JUSTICE, Liberty and JCWI, the House of Lords ruled on 17 June that it would be potentially unlawful for the Secretary of State to remove an asylum seeker where they faced a real risk of a "flagrant violation" of their human rights in the country to which they are being removed. Click here to read JUSTICE's submission and here to read the judgement of the House of Lords in full.
JUSTICE, Liberty, LAG, ILPA and BIHR joint briefing on legal aid provisions in Clause 14 of the Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants etc.) Bill in the House of Lords, (May 2004)
Draft Criminal Defence Service Bill: JUSTICE submission to the Department for Constitutional Affairs (May 2004). Click here for the submission and the press release.
JUSTICE and Liberty's amendments to the Civil Contingencies Bill for Report Stage in the House of Commons (May 2004)
JUSTICE written evidence on OLAF prepared for the House of Lords Select Committee on the European Union (Sub-Committee E) (May 2004)
EU proposal on defence rights fails to reach European Convention standards. Click here for a press release (28 April 2004)
House of Lords to hear Human Rights challenge. On Monday 26 April the Judicial Committee of the House of Lords will begin hearing the case of Ullah v Special Adjudicator, about the scope of the Human Rights Act in immigration and asylum cases where the government tries to return people to countries where they would face serious breaches of their human rights.Click here for press release.
JUSTICE written evidence on EUROJUST prepared for the House of Lords Select Committee on the European Union (Sub-Committee F) (April 2004)
Briefing for the debate on Religious Offences in the House of Lords prepared by BRITISH HUMANIST ASSOCIATION (BHA), BRITISH MUSLIM RESEARCH CENTRE (BMRC) & JUSTICE (April 2004)
New from JUSTICE: JUSTICE Journal
Essential reading for everyone interested in human rights and law reform.

The JUSTICE Journal is a new six-monthly publication. It aims to promote debate on topical issues relating to human rights and the rule of law.Each issue will focus on JUSTICE's core areas of expertise and concern:

· human rights
· criminal justice
· asylum
· equality
· justice and home affairs in the European Union
· the British legal system

Annual subscription £60 / $120 / €120 (10% discount for JUSTICE members)
Click here to see the contents of Volume 1 Number 1 and an order form.
Restorative Justice: The way ahead
by Shari Tickell and Kate Akester, Foreword by Cherie Booth QC

Advocates of restorative justice make bold claims about its potential. That it benefits victims, offenders and the wider community. That it can cut crime and reduce prison populations. That it can restore faith in the criminal justice process.

Are such claims justified? And how can human rights, fair trial and due process be safeguarded? Restorative Justice: The way ahead examines and evaluates restorative justice programmes around the world, before looking at nascent schemes in the UK. Building on the lessons learned, it makes recommendations as to how restorative elements can best be integrated into the criminal justice system in England and Wales. Click here for a pdf version of the order form.
JUSTICE briefing on the Asylum and Immigration (Treament of Claimants, etc.) Bill for the House of Lords Second Reading (March 2004).
JUSTICE briefing on the Constitutional Reform Bill and supplementary briefing (Judicial Appointments Commission) for the House of Lords second reading (March 2004) Click here for press release.
JUSTICE response to the Home Office discussion paper on terrorism. Click here for a pdf version of the press release dated 25 February 2004.
JUSTICE briefing on the Report of the Newton Committee on the Anti-Terrorism Crime and Security Act, for debate in the House of Lords (March 2004).
JUSTICE briefing on the Report of the Newton Committee on the Anti-Terrorism Crime and Security Act, for debate in the House of Commons (February 2004).
Gay Moon, Head of Equality at JUSTICE, will be speaking at a conference 'Diversity in Employment - a Business Case' organised by ACAS on 11 March 2004. Click here for the flyer.
JUSTICE and Liberty's amendments to the Civil Contingencies Bill for Committee Stage in the House of Commons (January 2004)
JUSTICE briefing on the Civil Contingencies Bill for second reading in the House of Commons (January 2004)
JUSTICE briefing on the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill for the Grand Committee Stage in the House of Lords (January 2004)
Joint response to the consultation on Rome II by the House of Lords European Union sub-committee E (Law and Institutions) submitted by JUSTICE, the AIRE Centre and REDRESS (January 2004)
JUSTICE additional submission to the Constitutional Affairs Committee inquiry into Asylum and Immigration Appeals (January 2004)
Press release 7 January 2004
JUSTICE welcomes the revised Civil Contingencies Bill, but identifies continuing problems with the scope of emergency powers and lack of specific protection for Human Rights Act 1998. Click here for the press release.
Winter 2003 JUSTICE Bulletin
View a selection of articles from the last edition of the JUSTICE Bulletin, which is available free to all members of JUSTICE.
Awards Winners Announced
Liberty/JUSTICE Human Rights Awards 2003

The recipients of this year's Liberty/JUSTICE Human Rights Awards were announced at a ceremony on Wednesday 10 December, UN International Human Rights Day.
JUSTICE briefing on the Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Bill for second reading in the House of Commons (December 2003)
JUSTICE response to Next Steps, the government's recent companion document to the white paper on children, 'Every Child Matters'. (December 2003)
European Arrest Warrant: A solution ahead of its time?
The Eurowarrant must be implemented in all member states by January 2004. It marks a radical step in the creation of a European area of freedom, security and justice. But is the EU trying to run before it can walk? Conceived for the purpose of combating cross-border crime - whilst at the same time improving safeguards for suspects - the Eurowarrant's rapid birth has produced a legal instrument both premature in terms of EU-wide law and under-developed in terms of technical detail. Click here for an order form in pdf format. Price £20 or €32.
How to Appeal: A guide to the criminal appeal system
We have published a new edition of this popular and useful guide. Price £2.50 and free to prisoners.
We have written an additional submission to the Home Affairs Committee of the House of Commons Inquiry into Asylum Applications, November 2003, on new measures and legislative proposals announced by the Home Office in October 2003. Read also our response to the Home Office/DCA consultation letter on the new legislative proposals
Press release 3 November 2003
Judges and a Supreme Court: no ministerial patronage: Government to have courage of its convictions. Click here for the press release, response to Constitutional Reform: a new way of appointing judges and response to Constitutional Reform: a supreme court for the United Kingdom.
JUSTICE Tom Sargant memorial annual lecture
Tuesday 14 October 2003 6.30 pm
Iraq: Pax Americana and the Rule of Law
Speaker: Lord Alexander of Weedon QC (Chairman of JUSTICE Council)
Click on the link above to find a pdf version of the speech.
Press release 10 October 2003
IRAQ - Lord Alexander of Weedon QC questions legality of war. Click here for the press release.
We gave written evidence to the House of Lords select committee on the European Union on the European Commission’s communication responding to the UK proposals for a new approach to asylum.(September 2003)
Press Release 4 October 2003
JUSTICE response to the Government White Paper on the Draft EU Constitution, 'The British Approach to the European Union Intergovernmental Conference 2003'. JUSTICE urges the Government to take a firmer stand on human rights in negotiations on the proposed EU Constitution. Click here for the press release and the full response.
On 16 September 2003, Eric Metcalfe gave evidence to the Joint Committee on the Draft Civil Contingencies Bill. Click here for an uncorrected transcript of the evidence.
Press Release 8 September 2003
JUSTICE response to the Joint Committee of Human Rights inquiry into the Draft Civil Contingencies Bill. The draft Bill is disproportionate and its exclusion of the court's ability to strike down emergency regulations is wrong. Click here for the press release and the full response.
Press Release 22 August 2003
UN calls for major changes in UK race laws to ensure compliance with international law. Click here for pdf version of press release and the concluding observations of the UN Committee for the Elimination of all forms of Race Discrimination. JUSTICE was one of the contributors to the joint NGO Shadow Report to the CERD Committee.
JUSTICE response to the Consultation Paper issued by the LCD in June 2003 on Proposed Changes to Publicly Funded Immigration and Asylum Work
Click here for pfd version of response. (August 2003)
Press Release 24 July 2003
Fair trial for all Guantanamo Bay detainees, particularly appeal rights. Click here for pdf version of press release and letter to Lord Goldsmith.
Press Release 22 July 2003
Restorative justice initiative: Welcome but a note of caution. Click here for pdf version of press release.
JUSTICE briefing on the proposed use of military commissions to try detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
The military commissions as currently proposed by the US fall below the accepted international standards for a fair trial. Click here for pdf versions of the briefing and appendix. The press release is below.
Press Release 17 July 2003
Briefing on use of military commissions. Click here for pdf version of press release.
Press Release 15 July 2003
Jury trials: 'three strikes and you are out'. Click here for pdf version of press release.
Press Release 14 July 2003
Supreme Court and Judicial Appointments Commission: overdue reforms.Click here for pdf version of press release. Pdf versions of the two briefing papers mentioned in the press release are available here: Supreme court and judicial appointments.
Press Release 4 July 2003
Spanish judicial legend to slam EU extradition reform as 'exercise in marketing post September 11th'. Click here for pdf version.
Press Release 1 July 2003
Key European judges discuss Europe's new approach to extradition. Click here for pdf version.
EUROWARRANT: European Extradition in the 21st Century (London, 5-6 July 2003)
International conference organised by JUSTICE
Extradition experts from across Europe examined the introduction of the European Arrest Warrant and its implications for EU minimum standards in criminal procedures. This was a unique opportunity for legal practitioners, academics and policy makers to keep abreast of crucial developments in extradition law. If you missed the conference, the papers from the key speakers are available in pdf format here.
JUSTICE releases legal opinion: Removing asylum seekers to processing centres outside the UK would be unlawful (June 2003) Click here for press release and legal opinion.
JUSTICE response to the newly-created Department for Constitutional Affairs
JUSTICE welcomes the creation of the Department for Constitutional Affairs, together with the government's proposals to establish an independant Judicial Appointments Commission and Supreme Court for the UK. Click here for the press release and JUSTICE's detailed response .
Criminal Justice Bill 2002
We have prepared several briefings on this large and controversial bill for consideration by the House of Lords. The first deals with parts 1 to 11, and includes our views on defence disclosure, trial without jury, retrial of acquitted persons and changes to the rules of evidence. A second briefing deals with sentencing issues. In addition, there are specific briefings in relation to bad character evidence, hearsay and trial without jury in fraud cases. Contact Janet Arkinstall jarkinstall@justice.org.uk for further details.
JUSTICE has been actively involved in developing the joint response of Human Rights NGOs to proposed changes to the procedures of the European Court of Human Rights. The proposals were put forward by the Evaluation Group on the European Court of Human Rights and the Committee of Ministers’ Steering Committee on Human Rights (CDDH). JUSTICE, together with other Human Rights NGOs such as Amnesty International and Liberty, agreed the latest response to the most recent set of proposals that were presented to the Council of Ministers on 14 May 2003. Contact Eric Metcalfe emetcalfe@justice.org.uk for further details.

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