Crime Solicitors

Justice Secretary Michael Gove is expected to say in a speech that education for prisoners must improve to help them become “employable”.

BBC News reports that Mr Gove will suggest “earned release” for prisoners who “work hard on their education”.

Prisoners are currently automatically released halfway through their sentences and are required to abide by licence conditions or they will be returned to jail.

Mr Gove is also expected to propose giving prison governors more autonomy – a move that has been welcomed by the Prison Governors Association.

Earlier this week, Chief Inspector of Prisons Nick Hardwick said that many jails were “in their worst state for a decade” – and some jails were “places of violence, squalor and idleness”.

Mr Gove is expected to say that he wishes to end the culture of “idleness and futility” in prisons – and that society is collectively to blame for the failure to “redeem and rehabilitate” offenders.

Director of the Prison Reform Trust, Juliet Lyon, said:

“The challenge now is to translate this marked new reflective tone set by the Justice Secretary, into sensible policy – and to create a just, humane and effective penal system.”

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – Prisoners’ Rights

Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can advise prisoners on their rights while in custody, including access to healthcare and mental health services.

Duncan Lewis can also advise on appeals against conviction and sentencing, Parole Board applications, confiscation orders and licence conditions.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and our criminal defence solicitors regularly visit police stations, courts and prisons to advise on criminal law.

For expert legal advice on criminal law and prisoners’ rights, call Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors on 020 7923 4020.