NCJ Number
143526
Journal
Home Office Research and Statistics Department Research Bulletin Issue: 33 Dated: (1993) Pages: 5-9
Date Published
1993
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Under the British Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE), suspects held at police stations have a statutory right to legal advice; Code C contains detailed guidance on how this right should be conveyed to the suspect and put into practice.
Abstract
Essentially, Code C intends to improve the quality and quantity of information given to the suspect and to guard against any dissuasion by police from seeking legal counsel. A study to observe the impact of the code was conducted, using data collected through 1,600 hours of observation in custody areas, interviews with 550 suspects, and examination of 10,000 custody records. The general conclusion drawn by researchers is that the Code has made progress toward achieving its objectives; suspects have more knowledge of their rights due to better police explanations of them. In many cases, however, the police do not comply with all requirements of the Code, particularly in terms of informing the suspect that legal advice is free and given in private. Moreover, the suspects are not informed that the legal advice provided to suspects is sometimes deficient because available solicitors are overburdened by the increased demand for services. 6 references