The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) stands as a vital institution within the criminal justice system, dedicated to investigating potential miscarriages of justice.
Established in 1997 under the Criminal Appeal Act 1995, the CCRC was created in response to high-profile cases, such as the Birmingham Six and Guildford Four, which exposed systemic flaws in the justice system. Its primary role is to review cases where individuals believe they have been wrongfully convicted or sentenced, offering a crucial safety net for those failed by the courts.
Applications and investigations (April 1997 – April 2025)
- 33,299 applications received (including all ineligible cases)
- 32,157 cases completed
- 937 cases under review
205 awaiting considerationReferrals and decisions (April 1997 – April 2025)
Criminal Cases Review Commission – Facts and Figures
- 873 cases referred to appeal courts
- 844 appeals heard by the courts
- 591 successful appeals
235 decisions upheld
18 abandoned by applicant
Is the UK Criminal Justice System Broken ?
The CCRC operates independently of the government, courts, and police, ensuring impartiality in its investigations. Based in Birmingham, England, it serves England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, while Scotland has its own equivalent, the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission.
The commission comprises a team of case reviewers, legal experts, and investigators who meticulously examine applications to determine whether there is new evidence or arguments that could warrant referring a case back to the appeal courts.
The process begins when an individual, or their representative, submits an application to the CCRC. Applicants must have already exhausted the standard appeal process, as the commission does not function as a secondary appeal court. Instead, it focuses on identifying cases where there is a “real possibility” that a conviction or sentence would not be upheld if new evidence or legal arguments were considered. This high threshold ensures that only cases with substantial grounds for review are referred to the Court of Appeal or, in some instances, the Crown Court.
The Criminal Cases Review Commission powers are extensive, allowing it to access documents, interview witnesses, and commission forensic tests or expert reports. For example, it can request DNA analysis or re-examine witness statements that may have been overlooked or misinterpreted during the original trial. Since its inception, the commission has reviewed thousands of cases, with over 700 referrals leading to overturned convictions or modified sentences by 2023. Notable successes include the quashing of convictions in cases like those of Sally Clark, wrongly convicted of murdering her children, and Victor Nealon, whose conviction was overturned after DNA evidence pointed to another suspect.
Despite its achievements, the CCRC faces challenges. Limited funding and resources can lead to delays in case reviews, with some applicants waiting years for a resolution. Critics argue that the “real possibility” test sets too high a bar, potentially excluding cases where miscarriages of justice may have occurred but lack definitive new evidence. Additionally, the commission has no authority to overturn convictions itself; it can only refer cases to the appeal courts, which may uphold the original decision.
The Criminal Cases Review Commission work is particularly significant in an era where public trust in the justice system is often tested. High-profile cases, such as the Post Office Horizon scandal, have underscored the need for an independent body to address systemic failures.
The commission’s ability to adapt to emerging technologies, like advanced forensic techniques, has also strengthened its role in uncovering truths that were previously inaccessible.
Public awareness of the CCRC remains relatively low, and many eligible individuals may not know they can apply for a review. To address this, the commission engages in outreach efforts, including working with legal professionals and advocacy groups to ensure that those who need its services are informed.
Its commitment to transparency is evident in its detailed annual reports, which outline its activities and highlight significant cases.In conclusion, the Criminal Cases Review Commission plays an indispensable role in safeguarding justice in the UK.
By providing a mechanism to correct wrongful convictions and sentences, it upholds the principle that no one should suffer unjustly under the law. While challenges remain, the CCRC’s dedication to fairness and its ability to evolve with the times ensure it remains a cornerstone of the criminal justice system, offering hope to those who have been let down by the courts.
The email address for general inquiries to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) is info@ccrc.gov.uk.
Check out our articles on Rule of Law, Open Justice, Justice System, Criminal Justice, R v Sussex Justices, Forensic Science Regulator, Litigants in Person, McKenzie Friend, Reasonable Person Test, What is Bail ?, Do you Have to Bow to a Judge ?, Can you Email a Judge ?, Can you Criticise a Judge ? and the highly dubious Sussex Family Justice Board.
The Ministry of Injustice is not the Ministry of Justice nor is it affiliated in any way with the justice system, legal profession or any law enforcement agencies.
Most Popular ↓
What is Policing by Consent ? What is Two Tier Policing ?
Latest Articles ↓
- Can a Solicitor or Barrister Mislead a Court ?
In England and Wales, the legal system demands integrity and truth from all legal professionals involved in court proceedings. Solicitors and barristers are bound by… Read more: Can a Solicitor or Barrister Mislead a Court ? - What is the Forensic Science Regulator ?
Forensic science is a cornerstone of modern criminal justice, providing critical evidence that can make or break a case. However, the reliability and accuracy of… Read more: What is the Forensic Science Regulator ? - What is the Criminal Cases Review Commission ?
The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) stands as a vital institution within the criminal justice system, dedicated to investigating potential miscarriages of justice. Established in… Read more: What is the Criminal Cases Review Commission ? - Did Bobby Vylan and the BBC break the law at Glastonbury 2025 ?
The performance by Bob Vylan at Glastonbury 2025, where frontman Bobby Vylan (reportedly Pascal Robinson-Foster) led chants of “death, death to the IDF” and “from… Read more: Did Bobby Vylan and the BBC break the law at Glastonbury 2025 ?
All Articles can be found in the Legal Blog or Sitemap.
You should always seek formal legal advice from a qualified and reputable lawyer (solicitor or barrister).
‘Justice delayed is justice denied’
William Ewart Gladstone
There are a number of links to Free and Paid For Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on the Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.
What is the Criminal Cases Review Commission ? was last updated on the 8th July 2025
