Clause 26
Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill
6:30 pm
Maria Eagle (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Ministry of Justice; Liverpool, Garston, Labour)
On the point about the middle ages and assuming that people are guilty, the provisions and the changes that we are making to amendment No. 207 are only brought into play where it is absolutely clear to the Court of Appeal, on the evidence available to it, that there is no reasonable doubt about the guilt of the appellant. For example, he may have pleaded guilty at first instance, or his grounds for appeal may not challenge the issue of whether or not he is guilty, so this measure is not a resort to the lynch mob. I hope that the hon. Gentleman accepts that.