Archive
October 2012
Supreme Court reaffirms ancient right to liberty
Today, in a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court reaffirms the importance of the ancient common law writ of habeas corpus.
Prisoners' votes: Lord Chancellor must support legislation
JUSTICE today wrote to the Lord Chancellor pointing out that his oath of office under the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 requires him to ‘respect the rule of law’.
Carloway Consultation on Criminal Justice - too much, too soon
JUSTICE Scotland has submitted a response to the Scottish Government on its review of criminal justice following the Cadder case and Lord Carloway’s inquiry into the way the system functions.
JUSTICE announces appointment of new director
Andrea Coomber has been appointed the new director of JUSTICE. Andrea is currently legal director of the international human rights organisation, INTERIGHTS.
September 2012
Secret courts, open justice and liberal principles: Liberal Democrats debate the Justice and Security Bill
JUSTICE Human Rights Director guests on the UK Human Rights Blog.
Draft Communications Data Bill: JUSTICE says “no more snooping”
JUSTICE has published its written evidence to the parliamentary Joint Committee on the Draft Communications Data Bill.
July 2012
Justice and Security Bill: JUSTICE Director of Human Rights highlights cross-party Lords challenge
As the Justice and Security Bill progresses through the House of Lords stages, our Human Rights Director highlights significant challenge from Peers from all three main political parties in the UK Human Rights Blog.
June 2012
Justice and Security Bill: JUSTICE calls on Lords to speak up for open adversarial justice.
As the House of Lords meets to debate the Justice and Security Bill Second Reading, JUSTICE highlights its serious concerns about the impact of the Bill’s proposals on open, adversarial and equal justice.
May 2012
The Government is not for turning: Justice and Security Bill still unfair, unnecessary and unjustified
JUSTICE’s Human Rights Director reacts to the publication of the Justice and Security Bill in a guest piece for the UK Human Rights Blog.
The right to vote is not a privilege: Time for Parliament to act says JUSTICE
JUSTICE reacts to the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights confirming the need for reform of the UK bar on prisoners’ voting.
April 2012
Building on Brighton: JUSTICE’s Director of Human Rights Policy reflects on the Brighton Declaration
In an article published today by Public Service Europe, JUSTICE’s Director of Human Rights Policy welcomes the focus on national implementation in the Brighton Declaration.
JUSTICE initial response to Brighton negotiations
As States prepare to finalise the Brighton Declaration, tomorrow, the UK makes an important commitment to the future of the Court and the Convention.
States doing better on rights at home must be the goal at Brighton: JUSTICE Human Rights Director
Today, JUSTICE tells Times readers that the Brighton conference on the Strasbourg Court must be about national implementation, not beating up a system that has been key to raising standards across Europe.
JUSTICE Director of Human Rights Policy on reform of the Strasbourg Court
In advance of the Brighton Conference on the future of the European Court of Human Rights, JUSTICE’s Human Rights Director suggests Guardian readers not believe everything they read about the Court and human rights. Will the conference be a missed opportunity to improve States’ records on human rights standards at home?
JUSTICE urges states to treat UK European Court proposals with caution
Marking the publication of the latest joint NGO statement as proposals on the draft Brighton declaration on the future of the European Court of Human Rights come to a close, JUSTICE calls on States to focus on better national implementation of human rights standards over measures likely to undermine the long-term future of the European Court of Human Rights.
'No case for secret courts': JUSTICE welcomes highly critical conclusions of parliament's human rights committee.
Today Parliament's Joint Committee on Human Rights publishes a damning report critical of the Government's Justice and Security Green Paper.
March 2012
JUSTICE and other leading NGOs criticise UK proposals for Strasbourg reform
This week, as diplomats gather in Strasbourg to begin negotiations on the future of the European Convention on Human Rights, JUSTICE – together with other leading international NGOs – publishes its critical response to the Draft Brighton Declaration.
JUSTICE calls for caution on the UK proposals for Strasbourg reform: Letter to The Times
Roger Smith, Director of Justice, wrote to The Times, on Monday 5 March 2012, urging diplomatic leaders to exercise caution over the proposed reforms, in light of the possible long-term impact of the proposed changes on the rule of law and the commitment to the protection of universal human rights standards in Europe and beyond.
February 2012
Ministers should decide on recommendations not participate in process
The Lord Chancellor should keep out of the process of judicial appointment until names are advanced by the Judicial Appointments Commission, JUSTICE said today in its response to a Ministry of Justice consultation.
Supreme Court ruling welcomed by leading Mental Health and Human Rights Organisations
Hospitals must ensure that they take appropriate steps to prevent voluntary psychiatric patients from taking their own lives, according to a landmark judgment handed down today by the Supreme Court.
JUSTICE welcomes inspector's call for reform of undercover policing
JUSTICE welcomes the recommendation of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, Sir Denis O'Connor, that the use of undercover surveillance must be subject to prior oversight.
January 2012
Torture is no small claim: JUSTICE responds to wide publicity for PM’s Strasbourg speech
A strong European Court of Human Rights is essential and the Strasbourg Court has played a major role in advancing civil liberties and human rights at home and in Europe.
JUSTICE reacts to Othman v UK (Abu Qatada)
JUSTICE welcomes judgment of the European Court of Human Rights that return to face trial on the basis of torture evidence would be unlawful and expresses regret on the conflicting judgment of the Court on the Memorandum of Understanding between Jordan and the UK.
Secret evidence in civil proceedings unnecessary, unfair and unjustified: JUSTICE responds to Government consultation on Justice and Security Green Paper
JUSTICE has published its response to the Government’s Green Paper on Justice and Security.
UK proposals for reform of the European Court of Human Rights would fundamentally undermine the protection of human rights in Europe
JUSTICE – as part of a coalition of major UK and international civil society organisations – today publishes its detailed analysis of current proposals for the reform of the European Court of Human Rights.
JUSTICE calls on the Prime Minister to show "moral leadership" on torture inquiry
Abdel Hakim Belhaj, now head of the Tripoli Military Council, today announced his decision not to appear before the Government’s Detainee Inquiry, led by Sir Peter Gibson.
December 2011
JUSTICE responds to Strasbourg judgement on hearsay evidence
Al-Khawaja and Tahery v UK was heard on appeal from the Fourth Section of the Strasbourg court to the Grand Chamber.
JUSTICE responds to Bill of Rights Commission consultation
JUSTICE has published its response to the Commission on a Bill of Rights Discussion Paper: Do we need a UK Bill of Rights?
JUSTICE responds to Application of EU Criminal Justice Legislation in the field of Detention Green Paper
The EU Commission has been consulting on length and conditions of detention in the EU and whether there is need for the EU to legislate in this area.
November 2011
JUSTICE briefing on Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Bill
JUSTICE has published a briefing on the Terrorism Prevention and Investigative Measures Bill for House of Lords Report Stage.
Carloway Review recommends enhanced safeguards in Scottish police stations
JUSTICE responds to the Carloway Review: Report and Recommendations
JUSTICE welcomes the assumption by the UK of Chairmanship of the Council of Europe
JUSTICE issues a joint statement with a consortium of human rights organisations as the UK assumes Council of Europe Chairmanship today.
JUSTICE publishes Freedom from Suspicion: Surveillance Reform for a Digital Age
In this new major report, supported by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, JUSTICE calls for a fundamental overhaul of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act in order to protect the right of individual privacy from unnecessary, unwarranted and unchecked state intrusion.
JUSTICE briefing on Protection of Freedoms Bill
JUSTICE briefing for House of Lords, 2nd Reading
October 2011
JUSTICE briefing on Terrorism Prevention and Investigative Measures Bill
JUSTICE briefing for House of Lords Committee Stage
JUSTICE briefing on the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill
JUSTICE briefing for House of Commons Report Stage
JUSTICE responds to UK Border Agency consultation on family migration
JUSTICE had submitted a response to the UKBA consultation on family migration
September 2011
JUSTICE responds to MoJ consultation on Public Bodies Bill
JUSTICE has submitted evidence to the Ministry of Justice on the Public Bodies Bill.
JUSTICE gives written evidence to Scotland Bill Committee
Evidence in relation to the amendments to the Scotland Bill, now at Committee Stage in the House of Lords
Baha Mousa's death 'a stain on our values'
JUSTICE has responded to the findings of the Baha Mousa Inquiry
Doubt over UK support for right of access to a lawyer EU directive
JUSTICE responds to a government recommendation not to opt in to an EU directive on the right of access to a lawyer in criminal proceedings.
August 2011
JUSTICE briefing on Public Bodies Bill
JUSTICE has submitted evidence to the House of Commons Public Bill Committee on the Public Bodies Bill.
JUSTICE responds to review of UK Supreme Court
JUSTICE has responded to the review of the role of the Supreme Court set up by the Scottish government.
Torture inquiry 'does not have credibility or transparency'
JUSTICE and nine other NGOs have written to the Detainee Inquiry criticising its protocol and terms of reference
JUSTICE argues for easier access to Parliamentary Ombudsman
JUSTICE has responded to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman's consultation, arguing that complaints should be easier to make.
July 2011
Jobs at JUSTICE
JUSTICE is currently recruiting 2 new posts
JUSTICE is recruiting an Administrator
Deadline: 14 September 2011. More information about how to apply.
JUSTICE is recruiting a Director of Human Rights Policy
Deadline: 7 September 2011. More information about how to apply.
UK Supreme Court rules against secret evidence in civil claims
JUSTICE responds to the Supreme Court judgment
JUSTICE briefing on Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill
JUSTICE has submitted evidence to the Public Bill Committee on Part 3 (sentencing)
Landmark human rights rulings extend scope of the Human Rights Act outside the UK
JUSTICE responds to the judgment
Government rules muzzle Torture Inquiry
JUSTICE responds to procedure rules announced today by the Justice Secretary Ken Clarke concerning the forthcoming Detainee Inquiry.
JUSTICE briefing on emergency Police (Detention and Bail) Bill
JUSTICE briefing for all stages in the House of Commons
June 2011
JUSTICE briefing on Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill
JUSTICE briefing for House of Lords Report Stage
JUSTICE briefing on the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill
JUSTICE briefing for House of Commons Second Reading
UK Supreme Court rebuffs government over restrictions to judicial review
JUSTICE response to UK Supreme Court judgment in Cart v Upper Tribunal and Eba v Advocate General
Legal aid reform: danger of 'economic cleansing of the civil courts'
JUSTICE responds to the legal aid reforms announced by the government
JUSTICE briefing on the Scotland Bill
JUSTICE briefing for House of Commons Report Stage
JUSTICE response to consultation on reform of the Equality and Human Rights Commission
JUSTICE has responded to the Government Equalities Office consultation on the reform of the Equality and Human Rights Commission
JUSTICE response to Carloway Review on Scottish criminal procedure
JUSTICE has responded to the review set up by the Scottish government on criminal justice procedure.
JUSTICE response to Draft Defamation Bill consultation
JUSTICE has responded to the Ministry of Justice consultation on the Draft Defamation Bill and submitted written evidence to the Joint Committee on the Bill.
JUSTICE briefing on Terrorism Prevention and Investigative Measures Bill
JUSTICE briefing for House of Commons Second Reading
May 2011
'The UK Supreme Court has a proper role in Scottish appeals'
JUSTICE responds to criticisms of the Supreme Court
JUSTICE response to Home Office CCTV Consultation
JUSTICE has responded to the Home Office consultation on a code of practice relating to surveillance cameras.
JUSTICE response to Home Office anti-social behaviour consultation
JUSTICE has responded to the Home Office consultation: More Effective Responses to Anti-Social Behaviour
Supreme Court rules against government on compensation for miscarriages of justice
JUSTICE response to UK Supreme Court judgment in Adams v Secretary of State for Justice
JUSTICE briefing on Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill
JUSTICE briefing for House of Lords Committee Stage
April 2011
JUSTICE submission on Draft Detention of Terrorist Suspects Bills
JUSTICE gives evidence on draft Home Office legislation
JUSTICE briefing on Protection of Freedoms Bill
JUSTICE briefing for House of Commons Committee Stage
March 2011
WL (Congo) v Secretary of State for the Home Department
Judgment given in JUSTICE third party intervention
JUSTICE response to the Bill of Rights Commission
JUSTICE responds to the government’s announcement of a Bill of Rights Commission
JUSTICE submission to the Scottish Parliament on legal assistance legislation
JUSTICE submission to the Justice Committee of the Scottish Parliament on emergency legislation relating to legal assistance in Scotland.
JUSTICE response to sentencing green paper
JUSTICE has responded to the Ministry of Justice sentencing green paper consultation Breaking the Cycle: Effective Punishment, Rehabilitation and Sentencing of Offenders
February 2011
JUSTICE responds to legal aid consultations
JUSTICE response to Ministry of Justice consultations on the reform of legal aid and civil litigation funding and costs in England and Wales
January 2011
Counter-terrorism review: 'A promise eroded'
JUSTICE responds to the government's Counter-Terrorism Review conclusions