The Independent Review of the Criminal Courts: What does it mean for the Criminal Bar?

Описание: The Independent Review of the Criminal Courts by Sir Brian Leveson was published in July 2025 and includes 45 recommendations which, if adopted, will have a significant impact on the criminal justice system.

This panel discussion examines some of the key recommendations and considers the implications for defendants and victims of crime and those working in the criminal justice system.

Panellists:

Mark Fenhalls KC practises in Crime at 23ES. Mark was Chair of the Bar in 2022, Chair of the CBA (2015-16) and Leader of the South Eastern Circuit (2019-20).

HH Wendy Joseph KC was a judge at the Old Bailey until March 2022 sitting on criminal cases. She was also a Diversity and Community Relations Judge. Since her retirement from the Bench, she has authored two books on the criminal justice system: Rough Justice, and Unlawful Killings (a Sunday Times bestseller).

Professor Cheryl Thomas KC is Professor of Judicial Studies in the UCL Faculty of Laws. She is the first chair in judicial studies in the United Kingdom, and is also Director of the UCL Judicial Institute and UCL Jury Project. Professor Thomas is the country’s leading expert on judges and juries.

The discussion is moderated by Joshua Rozenberg KC.

This is a recording of the live Talking Points lecture held at Gray's Inn on 10 February 2026.

Find out more about Gray's Inn events: https://www.graysinn.org.uk/events/