NCJ Number
142037
Journal
Criminal Law Forum Volume: 3 Issue: 3 Dated: (Spring 1992) Pages: 511-523
Date Published
1992
Length
13 pages
Annotation
A seminar held in England in June 1992 examined criminal appeals and considered possible reforms of the appellate system.
Abstract
The seminar was organized by the United Kingdom members of the Society for the Reform of Criminal Law. The participants examined the process of investigation, the appellate process for normal cases coming directly from the trial court, and cases in which defects appear long after the trial and which raise questions about the trial and possibly the appeal system. The main theme that emerged from the seminar appeared to be the need for a special investigative body to supplement the current system of administrative inquiry followed by reference to the Court of Appeal. Opinions differed regarding the stage in the process at which such a body should be used and its relationship to the current arrangements. Participants also emphasized strongly that defects in investigative and pretrial processes also need attention, because reforms of the appellate system can only partially mitigate the current problems. List of participants