Applicant Solicitors: Friends or Foes?

Abstract

Over the last decade, the operations of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) and its case review process have continually evolved in response to an increasing need for greater consistency and transparency. Despite this, the precise nature of the ‘working’ relationship between Commissioners and/or Case Review Managers (CRMs), and defence solicitors representing applicants (applicant solicitors), appears to be highly elusive: investigative and case review methodology employed in the case review process seem to differ significantly between CRMs. Some tend to take a more proactive approach in their case investigations and are much more receptive and communicative with applicant solicitors. At the same time, there are also CRMs who view their investigative role and their relationship with applicant solicitors quite differently — they appear to be far less dynamic and rarely or never engage with applicants or their solicitors.