This mightbe the most important fact sheet for peoplemaking an application for leave to appeal “in person” (without a lawyer). It should also be useful to students working at miscarriage of justice projects. Most of the hints and tips will also be relevant whenmaking applications to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC).

Why are the Grounds of Appeal Important?

Your grounds of appeal are a massivelyimportant part of your case. If you prepare your grounds of appeal badly then the judge (or the CCRC)will not know what your arguments are. This puts you at a disadvantage. The judge will be less likely to grant you permission to appeal if you have not told them why you have a good case. So persuade them.

The Golden Rules

1)Start from the beginning. Always write your grounds of appeal as if the person reading them knows nothing about your case. It is…