Miscarriages of Justice Review Centre

The Miscarriages of Justice Review Centre (MJRC) provides Sheffield law students with a unique opportunity to investigate cases of people convicted of serious crimes who are maintaining their innocence. Legal aid isn’t available to such people once they have exhausted the initial appeals process, so here’s where our law students really make a difference, by offering their services free of charge.

Our student volunteers aim to find fresh evidence to support our clients’ claims of innocence and use it in making applications to the Criminal Cases Review Commission for clients’ cases to be reviewed for referral to the Court of Appeal. In teams led by students themselves and supervised by the project director, MJRC student investigators;

• Research the law surrounding their case.
• Research their case online – checking for reports about the case. Some of our clients feature in documentaries.
• Review their case – considering prosecution statements and exhibits and court  documents
• Write letters and emails to clients and other people connected with the case
• Take instructions from clients in prison via videolink meetings
• Interview witnesses
• Draft applications on behalf of clients

The project is innovative in giving students a unique first-hand experience and insight into the criminal justice arena, utilising a mentored teaching environment to maximize learning opportunities. Skills gained through the project enable students to be more equipped for professional practice beyond their studies making them more attractive to potential employers.

The MJRC is an amazing experience to get involved with during your university years that will award you with employability skills and further enhance your university experience by connecting you with like-minded individuals.

Antonis Charalambous

MJRC Student Manager 2021-22

Antonis Charalambous, Student Manager at Miscarriages of Justice Review Centre, explains how rewarding participating in the MJRC can be via his blog post.