header-logo header-logo

05 May 2021 / Dr Jon Robins
Issue: 7931 / Categories: Opinion , Criminal
printer mail-detail

Post Office: far from the end of the road?

48106
The Post Office scandal is just one example of miscarriage of justice in a system which is no longer fit for purpose, says Jon Robins

The success of the former sub-postmasters in the Court of Appeal last month has been described as ‘the biggest miscarriage of justice in British legal history’. Each of those 39 wrongful convictions represents years of untold misery for the individuals concerned, as well as for their loved ones. Many lost their homes, livelihoods, health and, in some cases, their liberty.

One case among many

It can take years for a miscarriage of justice to unravel, and all too often an injustice is seemingly revealed never to be corrected; in that respect, the sub-postmasters have been ‘lucky’. Shortly after the appeal judges gave their momentous judgment, it was reported that a man who spent 17 years in jail protesting his innocence had won a major step forward in his fight to clear his name.

Andrew Malkinson, whose case was championed by

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ Career Profile: Daniel Burbeary, Michelman Robinson

NLJ Career Profile: Daniel Burbeary, Michelman Robinson

Daniel Burbeary, office managing partner of Michelman Robinson, discusses launching in London, the power of the law, and what the kitchen can teach us about litigating

Sidley—Jeremy Trinder

Sidley—Jeremy Trinder

Global finance group strengthened by returning partner in London

Joelson—Jennifer Mansoor

Joelson—Jennifer Mansoor

West End firm strengthens employment and immigration team with partner hire

NEWS
The controversial Courts and Tribunals Bill has passed its second reading by 304 votes to 203, despite concerted opposition from the legal profession
The presumption of parental involvement is to be abolished, the Lord Chancellor David Lammy has confirmed
A highly experienced chartered legal executive has been prevented from representing her client in financial remedies proceedings, in a case that highlights the continued fallout from Mazur
Plans to commandeer 50%-75% of the interest on lawyers’ client accounts to fund the justice system overlook the cost and administrative burden of this on small and medium law firms, CILEX has warned
Lawyers have been asked for their views on proposals to change the penalties for assaulting a police officer
back-to-top-scroll