BBC Justice Survey of practitioners about disclosure concerns
The BBC Justice survey is the result of the recent collapse of several rape cases that brought to public attention widespread concerns with disclosure practices across the Criminal Justice System.
The BBC, along with The Criminal Law Solicitors’ Association, The Criminal Bar Association and The London Criminal Courts Solicitors’ Association, would like to hear from legal professionals about the disclosure concerns behind the headlines – identifying disclosure issues that arise on a day-to-day basis in the police stations, Magistrates’ and Crown Courts.
It may be that the police have refused to give adequate disclosure for the purposes of advising prior to interview; the IDPC provided for the first hearing contains inadequate or no witness statements; there is no MG6C provided for trial; disclosure ordered by the court has still not been provided despite the expiry of time given; trials or hearings have been delayed or adjourned because of late, inadequate or no disclosure given to the defence.
The survey is open to members of The Criminal Law Solicitors’ Association, The Criminal Bar Association and The London Criminal Courts Solicitors’ Association, and all solicitors and barristers currently practicing criminal law in England & Wales.
The BBC want you to tell them about your experiences over the past 12 months.
The survey only takes a few minutes to complete. All responses will be treated confidentially.
The link to the BBC Justice survey can be found here.
The closing date for responses is Tuesday 20th February.
