News

Criminal Judicial Review, a comprehensive guide to judicial review in the criminal justice system, has been published by Hart Publishing with a Foreword by the Rt Hon Lord Judge. James Packer, a director of Duncan Lewis contributed the chapter on costs. James’ practice includes costs matters, and he was the lead solicitor in the key costs case in judicial review matters Bahta & Ors, R (on the application of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department & Ors [2011] EWCA Civ 895, as well as having conduct of AL (Albania) & Ors –v- Secretary of State for the Home Department [2012] EWCA Civ 710 which dealt with the application of Bahta to the costs of ordinary appeals in the Court of Appeal. He has brought several further costs appeals that have settled favourably following the grant of permission in the Court of Appeal.

The book is a comprehensive guide to challenging decisions of criminal courts and public bodies in the criminal justice system using judicial review. Written by a team of criminal and public law practitioners, it considers claims for judicial review arising in the criminal justice system, which now represent a distinct area of public law. These claims are set apart by special considerations and rules; for example, on the limits of the High Court’s jurisdiction or the availability of relief during ongoing proceedings.

Criminal practitioners may lack the background to spot public law points. Equally, public law specialists may be unfamiliar with criminal law and types of issues that arise. Criminal Judicial Review is intended as a resource for both.

The book deals with the principles, case law, remedies and, the practice and procedure for obtaining legal aid and costs. It will be of assistance to any practitioner preparing or responding to judicial review claims involving the following:

· The Police and the Crown Prosecution Service.

· Magistrates’ courts, the Crown Court and Coroners.

· Prisons and the Parole Board.

· Statutory bodies such as the Independent Police Complaints Commission and the Legal Aid Agency.

· Claimants who are children, young persons or have mental disorders.

· The international dimension including extradition proceedings and European Union law.

· Practical considerations such as CPR Part 54, remedies, legal aid and costs.

It can be purchased from all good legal bookshops or ordered online at by clicking here. An e–book version will follow.