This item first appeared on the F.A.C.T. website on the 10th November 2004
Dear All,
As reported in our previous mail shot, the next step of the INUK initiative is to appoint an Executive Board, to be supported by an Advisory Council. The Board will draw from the knowledge and experiences of members of the Advisory Council, to be constituted by representatives from campaigning organisations against miscarriages of justice, forensic scientists, academics, investigative journalists, and criminal appeal lawyers. We are also looking for suitable patrons.
Following on from the United Against Injustice 3rd Annual Miscarriage of Justice Day Conference, 9 October 2004, Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, London, we can report that this stage of our development is underway with a formal invitation to UAI to nominate a member from each affiliated organisation to be a representative on the INUK Advisory Council. Approaches are also being made to other potential members.
It is envisaged that initially the Advisory Council will meet with the
Executive Board annually, with Special Meetings being called if necessary. We hope to convene the first meeting of the Executive Board and Advisory Council at the Annual Innocence Network Conference, taking place at the University of Leeds on (or around) July 8th 2005.
Another important matter if the INUK is to succeed relates to funding. INUK is currently self-financing and funds will need to be sought to ensure its growth and future success.
As the INUK's plans relate to the establishment of innocence projects in the UK, immediate plans will also focus upon developing university units on the causes and consequences of miscarriages of justice as a precursor to encouraging innocence projects in universities around the UK in the coming years.
A matter that needs urgent clarification is that the Innocence Network UK does not investigate individual cases. Cases will be only be investigated if and when innocence projects are up and running. It is vital that the proper foundations are put in place to ensure that
innocence projects can succeed. The future of the UK innocence movement should not be jeopardised by impatience!
It is just as vital that the goodwill and expressed desire of the
campaigning organisations and criminal appeal lawyers groups to collaborate continues. Without this, innocence projects will not flourish. Through such collaborations, and before the implementation of innocence projects is attempted, we need to determine the mechanisms by which innocence projects would operate. For example, how are cases to be referred to innocence projects? Should it be by the victims of wrongful conviction themselves, by campaigning organisations, or by criminal appeal lawyers?
How are cases to be assessed as eligible for investigation? Should
applicants in prison take priority over applicants who have served their
sentences but still assert their innocence? How do family support groups fit in? Who will have overall responsibility for cases? Will there be a conflict with the CCRC? What checks would there be on the efficiency of the projects? Will there be a complaints procedure?
These kinds of questions need to be considered and resolved by the
Executive Board to provide information and best practice guidelines, as well as working models, for those wishing to start innocence projects.
Best wishes,
Michael and Carole