NCJ Number
60707
Date Published
1979
Length
43 pages
Annotation
THIS ANNUAL REPORT OF JUSTICE, THE BRITISH SECTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF JURISTS, REVIEWS THE WORK OF THE ORGANIZATION DURING THE YEAR ENDING IN JUNE 1979.
Abstract
THE REPORT STATES THAT JUSTICE'S MAIN CONCERNS DURING THE LAST YEAR HAVE BEEN THE PREPARATION OF EVIDENCE TO THE ROYAL COMMISSION ON CRIMINAL PROCEDURE AND TWO IMPORTANT INQUIRIES INTO ASPECTS OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW. THE FIRST PART OF THE EVIDENCE TO THE ROYAL COMMISSION, PRE-TRIAL CRIMINAL PROCEDURE, RECOMMENDED ENDING DUBIOUS VERBAL ADMISSIONS WHICH UNDERMINE THE OBJECTIVITY AND INTEGRITY OF BRITISH CRIMINAL TRIALS AND LEAD TO MISCARRIAGES OF JUSTICE. THE PROCEDURE ALSO WOULD PROVIDE POLICE WITH PROPERLY DEFINED POWERS OF DETENTION AND QUESTIONING AND DO AWAY WITH THE RIGHT OF SILENCE AND THE PRESENT OVERELABORATE AND HAMPERING RULES FOR CAUTIONING. JUSTICE ALSO REAFFIRMED EARLIER RECOMMENDATIONS THAT DECISIONS TO PROSECUTE SHOULD BE ENTRUSTED TO INDEPENDENT PROSECUTING SOLICITORS, NOT THE POLICE. THE REPORT GIVES ACCOUNTS OF SEVERAL CASES WHICH SHOW THE INADEQUACY OF THE HOME OFFICE PROCEDURES WHEN THE OFFICE IS PRESENTED WITH EVIDENCE WHICH POINTS TO THE INNOCENCE OF A CONVICTED MAN. IN THE FIELD OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW, JUSTICE, IN CONJUNCTION WITH ALL SOULS COLLEGE, OXFORD, MADE A BROAD REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW. ENQUIRY INTO THE WORK AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE COMMISSION FOR LOCAL ADMINISTRATION ALSO CONTINUED. JUSTICE ALSO PREPARED AND SUBMITTED TO APPROPRIATE DEPARTMENTS MEMORANDA ON THE COMPANIES BILL, POWERS AND DUTIES OF TRUSTEES, AND ON THE FOURTH REPORT OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATION. WORK ALSO CONTINUES ON JUSTICE'S REPORT ON BRITISH NATIONALITY. INCLUDED IN THE REPORT ARE SECTIONS ON THE HONG KONG BRANCH OF THE ORGANIZATION AS WELL AS ON GENERAL INFORMATION AND ACTIVITIES. (MJW)