Current projects
Permission stage in judicial review (2005 - 2007)
This Nuffield-funded study, conducted in partnership with the University of Essex, is designed to assess the effects of the reforms of the judicial review process that were introduced in October 2000, following the Bowman Committee report. The Bowman proposals were intended to encourage early settlement, increase the information available to judges at permission stage and improve their ability to manage cases. This study examines whether the reforms have achieved their goals of focusing the parties’ minds on the issues of the case at an early stage and promoting settlements. It is also looking at the effects of the reforms to the permission stage on access to justice. The quantitative data is being drawn from a sample of claims for permission to seek JR during September-November 2005, which are being tracked to conclusion. In addition, interviews are being conducted with a sample of legal representatives acting for claimants and defendants, as well as judges and user groups.
This project will conclude in 2007, and will lead to a better and empirically based understanding of the part played by the permission stage in our public law system.
Consultancy