European case law has established a wider entitlement to legal representation for prisoners and since the introduction of the Criminal Justice Act 2003, prison law provisions have become increasingly complex. There is therefore a clear opportunity for increased representation of prisoners to ensure their rights are observed, and the potential for more involved litigation in some cases.
Barristers
Clerks
The Sovereign Chambers prison law team has many years of experience in representing inmates before all types of prison tribunal. Several members of the team have experience of applications for judicial review. These cases have covered such areas as challenges to re-categorisation decisions and temporary release. We can provide advice and assistance from the point of letter before action right through to the final hearing.
In addition to judicial review work, members of the team regularly represent prisoners at adjudication hearings and at hearings before the Parole Board.
Most criminal practitioners are aware of the dramatic increase in the number of prisoners who are requesting representation at disciplinary hearings before an external adjudicator. The number of oral hearing reviews before the Parole Board has dramatically increased as a result of the “Imprisonment for Public Protection” legislation and the Board’s increasing workload in relation to recall hearings. It is clear, therefore, that this is an area of practice that is growing at pace.
As well as representation at hearings, we can advise on pre-hearing submissions in respect of witness requirements, expert evidence and any further work that may assist the prisoner.
Please contact Yvonne Crosbie or Zoe Bellwood on 0113 245 1841 for further information and assistance.
Contact us
46 Park Place
Leeds
LS1 2RY DX. 26408 LEEDS PARK SQUARE
T. 0113 245 1841
F. 0113 242 0194