Prison Law & Prisoners' Rights
Prisoners retain fundamental human rights, and the state has legal duties to treat them lawfully and with dignity. We provide specialist legal advice to prisoners and their families on all aspects of prison law, from challenging unlawful segregation and poor conditions to progressing through the prison system and securing release. We have extensive experience representing prisoners in judicial review, Parole Board hearings, and claims for damages.
Rights Don't Stop at the Prison Gate
Imprisonment restricts liberty, but prisoners retain other fundamental rights including protection from inhuman treatment, access to healthcare, family contact, and fair treatment in decision-making.
What We Can Help With
Parole Board Hearings
Representing prisoners at Parole Board hearings to secure release or progression to open conditions.
Segregation Challenges
Challenging unlawful segregation and isolation, including prolonged placement in segregation units.
Prison Conditions
Challenging inhuman or degrading conditions, overcrowding, violence, and lack of healthcare.
Categorisation
Challenging unfair prison categorisation decisions that prevent progression to lower security.
Adjudications
Challenging unfair prison disciplinary proceedings and disproportionate punishments.
Family Contact
Protecting prisoners' rights to maintain family relationships and challenge restrictions on contact.
Parole Board Representation
The Parole Board determines whether indeterminate sentence prisoners (lifers and IPP prisoners) can be safely released, and whether determinate sentence prisoners can progress to open conditions. We provide comprehensive representation including:
How We Work
Initial Advice
We meet with prisoners in person at prison to take instructions and understand the issues. We explain the legal position, prospects of success, and available remedies. We secure legal aid where available.
Case Preparation
We obtain all relevant documents, review prison files, instruct independent experts where needed, and build the strongest possible case for the prisoner.
Representation
We represent prisoners at Parole Board hearings, adjudications, and other proceedings. For judicial review, we issue proceedings in the High Court and pursue cases to judgment if necessary.
Follow-Up & Appeals
If a hearing is unsuccessful, we advise on appeals and judicial review options. If successful, we ensure the prison implements the decision properly and provide ongoing advice on progression.
Why Choose Us
Prison Law Specialists
Deep expertise in all aspects of prison law, Parole Board hearings, and prisoners' rights litigation.
Prison Visits
We visit clients in prison regularly to take instructions and maintain close contact throughout the case.
Legal Aid Available
We routinely secure legal aid for prison law cases, ensuring access to justice regardless of means.
Proven Success
Strong track record of successful Parole Board hearings and judicial review challenges.