Research that makes a change

Dr Tom Smith, Associate Professor in Law

UWE Bristol researchers, Professor Ed Cape and Dr Tom Smith, examined court decisions regarding the pre-trial detention (PTD) of criminal defendants. They found that courts made decisions rapidly; problems existed with disclosure of evidence in advance of hearings; the reasoning given for decisions tended to be generic and lacking in detail. 

In 2017, responding to UWE Bristol research, the Criminal Procedure Rule Committee amended the Criminal Procedure Rules, requiring that courts must ensure they have sufficient time to make decisions; a defendant must be given sufficient time to consider evidence disclosed before a hearing; courts must announce decisions by reference to the specific details of the case. These changes to the Rules, which directly implemented the recommendations of the research, are binding on all criminal courts in England and Wales. The Committee described UWE Bristol research as making a ‘distinct and material contribution’ to changes to the Rules. This contribution was also acknowledged in an Explanatory Memorandum to the rule changes issued by the UK Ministry of Justice. These amendments constitute a substantial procedural step towards improving the rigour with which criminal courts decide upon the use of PTD - better aligning the law in England and Wales with EU and international legal standards.

Additionally, a survey conducted by Dr Smith in 2020 indicated high levels of awareness among defence practitioners and magistrates of their new statutory duties under the 2017 amendments; this implies that, because of UWE Bristol research, legal practitioners are now better equipped to improve the rigour with which PTD is applied in UK courts.

Dr Mary Alice Young, Associate Professor in Law

Dr Mary Alice Young’s research has directly informed national reform efforts in the British Virgin Islands. Dr Young’s recommendations were included in His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies, Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) Review of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Bodies in the British Virgin Islands: Volume 2 – A Road Map for 2025 to 2035. This landmark publication outlines a strategic vision for strengthening policing, justice, and public safety across the territory over the next decade. Read the full report. 

Dr Rob Wilks, Senior Lecturer in Law

Dr Rob Wilks is the Principal Investigator for a major project on Strengthening Global Majority Representation in Deaf Legal Theory: A Pilot Project in Ghana. Funded by the UWE Bristol Vice-Chancellor's Early Career Researchers scheme, the project is a collaboration with Dr Christopher Shank (Bangor University) as part of a larger AHRC-funded Deaf Health Wales project.