Miscarriages of Justice Review Centre and Family Law Project

The Miscarriages of Justice Review Centre (MJRC) is student-led and covers the study and re-investigation of alleged wrongful criminal convictions. Students will gain first-hand experience and insight into the criminal justice system. Clients need to self-refer, and we welcome new referrals.

MJRC student working a case on a laptop at a desk with other case workers.
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Miscarriages of Justice Review Centre (MJRC)

The MJRC provides students with a unique opportunity to investigate cases of people convicted of serious crimes who maintain their innocence whilst utilising a mentored teaching environment to maximise learning opportunities. Legal aid isn’t available to such people once they have exhausted the initial appeals process, so our students make a difference by offering their services free of charge.

As a volunteer, students aim to find fresh evidence to support clients' claims of innocence and use it to apply to the Criminal Cases Review Commission for clients' cases to be reviewed for referral to the Court of Appeal. In teams led by Student Managers and supervised by the project director, students will;

  • 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, exhibits and court documents.
  • Write letters and emails to clients and other people connected with the case.
  • Take instructions from clients in prison via video link meetings.
  • Interview witnesses.
  • Draft applications on behalf of clients.

Skills gained through the project enable students to be more equipped for professional practice beyond their studies, making them more attractive to potential employers.

If a potential client needs to contact the MJRC please email us.

Photograph of MJRC Student Manager Antonis

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.

Family Law Project (FLP)

The Family Law Project was started in 2022. It aims to advise men currently on probation seeking contact with their children. Referrals are received from the probation service.

When students work on this scheme, they will assist men convicted of a crime and currently supervised by the probation service. They may have been convicted of a crime of violence, and the court may have imposed a restraining order. They would not currently have any contact with their children but want to.

The FLP seeks non-judgmental, unshockable, interested in people, methodical and enthusiastic students to join them when applications open. Students will be told about this through communication when they start their studies each year. 

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