Convictions for Joint Enterprise Racial Disparities 2023-01-10
2023-01-10
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Research by the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies suggests that joint enterprise is applied in a racially discriminatory manner, leading to numerous miscarriages of justice. This issue disproportionately affects ethnic minority communities, particularly young black men.
I am concerned about racial disparities in joint enterprise convictions as research indicates this doctrine is often applied in a racist way, causing many miscarriages of justice. Assessing why it disproportionately targets ethnic minorities, especially young black men, is only the first step; what action is being taken to address these historical wrongs and prevent future injustices?
The Government have implemented many recommendations from the Lammy review. I would like to sit down with the hon. Member to discuss specific issues in more depth rather than addressing them here.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions and timelines for rectifying past injustices due to joint enterprise convictions were not provided
Would Like To Sit Down With The Hon. Member
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Research by the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies suggests that joint enterprise is applied in a racially discriminatory manner, leading to numerous miscarriages of justice. This issue disproportionately affects ethnic minority communities, particularly young black men.
I am concerned about racial disparities in joint enterprise convictions as research indicates this doctrine is often applied in a racist way, causing many miscarriages of justice. Assessing why it disproportionately targets ethnic minorities, especially young black men, is only the first step; what action is being taken to address these historical wrongs and prevent future injustices?
The Government recognise that convictions based on joint enterprise appear to affect ethnic minority groups disproportionately. The Crown Prosecution Service can only apply the law when making charging decisions. Data is collected on the ethnicity of defendants who are prosecuted and convicted, but not specifically for joint enterprise cases. We are considering whether such data could be collected as part of the common platform programme.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions and timelines for rectifying past injustices due to joint enterprise convictions were not provided
We Are Considering Whether Such Data Could Be Collected
Response accuracy