Closed petition Create a right to appeal for people convicted under law which is later reformed.

Closed on 28 March 2022

Sometimes the law is proven to be morally wrong and is reformed. However, when this happens, people cannot appeal against their unjust convictions because they are beyond the time limit currently set within the Criminal Appeal Act 1968. We want to create a right to appeal for change of law cases.

A person must apply for permission to appeal within 28 days of conviction. Law reform is a long process, and many will have been convicted and out of time to appeal when reform is achieved. On 18th February 2016, the Supreme Court reformed the law of joint enterprise because it was held to be unjust. This law led to the conviction of thousands of people for very serious offences. Despite this, there have been very few appeals allowed.
Specifically, we want Parliament to legislate the Criminal Appeal (Amendment) Bill promoted by JENGbA - https://jeb.jointenterprise.co/