Making an Application to the Commission

To make an application to the Commission you have to complete an application form.  The application form can be obtained from us or can be downloaded here.  If you require assistance with completing the application form, e.g. if your first language is not English, we may be able to assist in arranging a translator for you.  You can ask a solicitor or any other person to assist you with the application.  We will not be able to assist  you in forming your grounds for review other than where you require assistance to put your grounds, as they stand, in writing.

We will normally only accept for review cases where convicted persons have attempted to appeal through normal appeals procedure, e.g. if you wish us to review your conviction and your appeal against conviction, after trial, was refused either after full hearing or at the appeal sift stage, then it is likely that we will accept your case for review.  If you wish us to review your conviction and sentence but you only appealed against sentence then it is likely that we will advise you to try and appeal conviction via normal appeals procedure.  There are special circumstances where we will accept a case for review where no appeal has been taken.  Examples of these special circumstances are:

• The applicant was prevented from appealing by serious threats against him or his family;
• Only the Commission’s special powers of investigation can uncover the new evidence needed;
• The applicant has sought legal advice from solicitors and they are unwilling to represent the applicant in appealing.