 |
|
Members of Chambers have a strong tradition of practicing in the fields of prison law and prisoner's rights. In this regard, Members have worked for the Prison Advice Service, providing pro bono advice to prisoners concerned about the exercise of state power over their lives. In addition, Members have appeared before the following tribunals where prisoner's rights have been in issue:
-
Prison Adjudicators
Members of Chambers have represented adult prisoners and young offenders at prison adjudications where the defendants have faced allegations ranging from minor breaches of the Prison Rules or the YOI Rules through to serious acts of violence against fellow prisoners or prison officers. In addition, Members are familiar with the system of prison discipline generally and the penalties available to both Governors and Adjudicators in the event that disciplinary charges are admitted by, or found proven against, defendants.
-
Parole Boards
Members of Chambers have appeared before the Parole Board on many occasions representing 'lifers' either seeking a transfer to open conditions or release on licence. Members have also represented those recalled on licence by the PPCS following alleged breaches of the conditions on their original release, prisoners serving indeterminate sentence for public protection (IPP) and discretionary conditional release (DCR) prisoners serving determinate sentences.
-
Coroner's Inquests
Members of Chambers have appeared at inquests representing the friends and family members of prisoners who have died whilst in custody, thereby engaging the state s obligations under Article 2 of the ECHR. Members have also appeared on behalf of the Prison Officers' Association representing the interests of those prison officers either called as witnesses by the coroner or at risk of being held responsible for the prisoner's death.
|