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The Journey and Impact of Justice on Appeal

The Journey of Justice on Appeal: The Story of Darren Bolger

From Charity Beginnings to the Formation of a Limited Company.


Justice on Appeal, initially established as the first pro bono criminal appeals charity in the United Kingdom, has undergone significant transformation and is now reformed as a Limited Company, guided by its founder, Darren Bolger. The organization's path to its current form is deeply intertwined with Darren's personal experiences and the formidable challenges he has faced.


Origins Rooted in Injustice

The beginnings of Justice on Appeal can be traced to a personal tragedy: Darren Bolger and his family became victims of a miscarriage of justice in a murder case. Motivated by the impact on his family, Darren founded the charity with a mission to provide assistance to others facing similar injustices. He and his family were instrumental in challenging the existing evidence and ultimately discovering new facts that led to the overthrow of wrongful convictions.


Resistance from the Establishment

Despite their efforts, Darren encountered resistance from within the judicial system. The Establishment showed little interest in the exculpatory evidence presented for his brothers, and instead, attention shifted to Darren himself. The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), through its Legal Advisor, Case Review Managers, and others, accused Darren of harassment—a claim that was ultimately dismissed by the West Midlands Police with No Further Action (NFA) taken.


Persistent Legal and Personal Challenges

The situation did not end there. Senior members at the CCRC persisted in their campaign, submitting repeated complaints to the police in an effort to reopen the case against Darren. This ongoing harassment extended over eight years and included placing Darren on the UK Police 'HOLMES DATABASE' for surveillance purposes.


Further adversity followed when the Metropolitan Police brought seven counts of fraud against Darren. These charges represented another significant obstacle, intensifying the pressure on Darren and his advocacy work. Notably, during the trial, crucial evidence in the form of 674 emails was not disclosed, a fact that could have led to Darren’s acquittal. The MET Police were able to secure convictions on three counts of fraud, after the indictment was restructured in a manner that complicated the jury’s understanding.


Transformation and Resilience

Despite these ordeals, Darren Bolger remained steadfast in his commitment to justice. The continuous challenges he faced underscored not only his personal resilience but also highlighted systemic issues within the justice system. Justice on Appeal’s evolution into a Limited Company marks not only an organisational change but also a testament to the enduring pursuit of accountability and reform within the legal landscape.

The journey of Darren Bolger and the transformation of Justice on Appeal stand as powerful reminders of the ongoing struggle for justice and the importance of supporting those who work to address miscarriages of justice in society.

Introucing Future Legal Professionals

Justice on Appeal: Legacy, Honour, and Inspiration for Future Legal Minds

Celebrating Real Case Experience and Legal Excellence.


Justice on Appeal has long stood as a beacon for aspiring law students, inviting them to step into the dynamic world of genuine legal proceedings. Throughout the years, one of its most recognisable symbols has been the iconic poster, displayed with pride across various law schools and universities. The poster’s call to action—encouraging students to participate in “REAL CASES”—has ignited ambition, stirring the emotions and aspirations of those considering a future in law.


The Enduring Legacy of the Original Poster

Few artefacts encapsulate the spirit of Justice on Appeal quite like the (above) poster. Produced in limited quantity, only a handful of the originals remain preserved in storage since 2010. The poster not only represents an invitation to engage in authentic legal challenges, but it has also become a symbol of distinction and tradition within the legal education community when placed in the corridors of Law Schools, Colleges adn otehrwise Legal Fraternities for those to engage in REAL CASES alongside Justice on Appeal.


Badge of Honour: A New Role

Looking to the future, Justice on Appeal is contemplating an inspired new chapter for these rare posters. They are intended to become part of a prestigious trophy collection, awarded to law schools and colleges whose students achieve the highest honours in legal competitions or experiential programmes. To receive one of these original posters would be to attain a badge of honour—an emblem of commitment, excellence, and respect within the legal fraternity. As each poster finds a new home, it will carry forward the legacy of real-world legal engagement, motivating generations of students to pursue justice with passion and integrity.


The Founder’s Dedication: Darren Bolger

At the heart of Justice on Appeal’s mission is its founder, Darren Bolger. Captured in the accompanying photo, Darren stands to the right alongside counsel, Mr. Sham Uddin, outside Chancery the Rolls Building. This image was taken during their pursuit of a significant £103 million contract dispute—a testament to Darren’s relentless drive and unwavering commitment to justice.


Darren’s leadership and personal example, fighting as claimant in high-stakes legal battles, embodies the ideals that Justice on Appeal seeks to instil in future legal professionals: courage, ethical rigor, and a passion for the law’s transformative power. His story, like the treasured posters, serves both as inspiration and challenge—a reminder that the path of law is not only intellectual, but also deeply human and profoundly consequential.


Inspiring the Next Generation

Justice on Appeal’s vision continues: to offer students opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom, immersing them in the realities, emotions, and complexities of legal practice. The original poster, soon to be a rare award, will stand as a tangible symbol of this vision—marking those who receive it as members of a distinguished lineage, united by a shared dedication to justice, integrity & the pursuit of excellence in the law.

Championing Fairness and Reform within the Criminal Justice System


Origins and Mission

At its inception, Justice on Appeal identified a significant gap in the support available to prisoners seeking to challenge their convictions. Unlike typical legal aid providers, the charity set out to offer free, confidential, and impartial advice and advocacy services, focusing especially on those who consistently asserted their innocence. This niche, yet critical, area of advocacy addressed the needs of individuals who often face daunting barriers when navigating the complex appeals process.


The charity’s mission is underpinned by a dedication to fairness and the rectification of miscarriages of justice. Its ethos is not simply to provide legal assistance, but also to ensure that the voices of the wrongly convicted are heard and that the legal system remains accountable and open to scrutiny.


Core Services and Activities

Justice on Appeal’s range of services spans direct support for prisoners to broader educational and policy advocacy initiatives. Each dimension of their work feeds into a holistic approach to justice and reform.


Advice and Advocacy

The cornerstone of Justice on Appeal’s work is the provision of high-quality, confidential advice to prisoners. The organization assists with the preparation of appeal applications, advises on gathering and presenting new evidence, and helps clients navigate the intricate web of legal procedures necessary to challenge convictions. Advocacy involves more than just paperwork; it often means standing alongside prisoners in hearings, representing their interests, and ensuring they are treated fairly throughout the process.


Network Building and Professional Development

Recognizing the importance of collaboration within the legal field, Justice on Appeal actively networks with both trainee legal professionals and those already qualified. This collaborative approach not only strengthens the charity’s base of expertise but also provides invaluable experience to up-and-coming lawyers, many of whom are passionate about justice reform.


The organization serves as a bridge between legal professionals and those in need of representation, particularly in cases where decisions may be unlawful, unreasonable, or irrational. By facilitating partnerships and mentorships, the charity helps foster a new generation of legal minds attuned to the complexities and ethical demands of appellate work.


Engagement with Lawyers and Parliamentarians

Justice on Appeal maintains active relationships with practicing lawyers and parliamentarians, recognizing that meaningful reform requires influence at both judicial and legislative levels. The organization lobbies for improvements to the appeals process and for increased transparency in the criminal justice system. Through dialogue and collaboration, the charity works to address systemic flaws and to advocate for legal standards that respect individual rights and due process.


Education on the Law of Joint Enterprise

One of the charity’s key educational missions involves the Law of Joint Enterprise—a legal doctrine that has historically led to the conviction of individuals for crimes committed by others, often in controversial circumstances. Justice on Appeal seeks to address misunderstandings and misapplications of this doctrine, offering resources and training for both legal professionals and the public. By demystifying the Law of Joint Enterprise, the organization empowers communities and contributes to a more nuanced public discourse on collective responsibility and justice.


Research and Evidence Submission

In addition to casework and education, Justice on Appeal undertakes research and produces evidence reports that are submitted to relevant organizations, including oversight bodies, legislators, and judicial review panels. These reports draw on the charity’s extensive experience and case histories, providing data-driven insights and recommendations for systemic improvement. This research function is vital to the charity’s broader advocacy efforts, ensuring that reforms are informed by real-world outcomes and lived experiences.


Impact and Achievements

Through its dedicated work, Justice on Appeal has had a tangible impact on the lives of countless individuals and on the criminal justice system at large.

  • Case Successes: By helping prisoners prepare and present appeals, the charity has contributed to the overturning of wrongful convictions, restoring freedom and dignity to those who have suffered miscarriages of justice.
  • Professional Development: The involvement of trainee and qualified legal professionals in advocacy work has cultivated a cohort of practitioners with deep expertise in appellate law and a strong sense of social responsibility.
  • Legislative Influence: Through sustained engagement with parliamentarians, Justice on Appeal has influenced debates on criminal justice policy and contributed to legislative reviews concerning the appeals process and the Law of Joint Enterprise.
  • Public Awareness: The charity’s educational initiatives have raised awareness about joint enterprise and wrongful convictions, mobilizing public support for reform and enhancing the legal literacy of communities most affected by the justice system.
  • Policy Development: The submission of evidence-based reports to official bodies has provided a crucial feedback loop, ensuring that policy evolves in response to documented shortcomings and successes within the appeals process.


Challenges and the Road Ahead

The appeals process remains complex and resource-intensive, requiring sustained funding, expertise, and collaboration. Prisoners maintaining innocence often face skepticism, both from institutions and the wider public, making advocacy work emotionally and professionally demanding.


The landscape of criminal justice is also constantly evolving. Changes in legislation, shifting societal attitudes toward crime and punishment, and advances in forensic science all influence the nature of appellate work. The charity must continuously adapt its strategies to remain effective and relevant, ensuring that it can continue to provide essential services in an ever-changing environment.


Conclusion

Justice on Appeal stands as a testament to the enduring value of compassion, diligence, and a commitment to fairness. Through free, confidential, and impartial support, the charity has given hope to prisoners who might otherwise have been forgotten. Its work with legal professionals, lawmakers, and community members continues to drive progress in the fight against miscarriages of justice and in the ongoing pursuit of a fairer, more accountable legal system.


As it moves forward, Justice on Appeal’s role as an advocate, educator, and reformer will remain critical—not only for the individuals it serves but for the integrity and humanity of the criminal justice system as a whole.

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Registered in England & Wales 14738467

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