Racial Justice

APPEAL strives to confront the racism within the criminal justice system head on. 

We aim to raise awareness and challenge discriminatory practices, advocating for change that promotes equality, fairness and redress for harms caused. We ensure that the voices of those affected by racial injustice are heard and that meaningful change is achieved.

We achieved justice for rail workers framed by a racist, corrupt British Transport Police officer. We have also identified the hidden racist and classist intent behind the introduction of majority jury verdicts, which was linked to a desire to dilute the influence of “coloured” migrants and the new “labouring class”. 

Our research ‘Doubt Dismissed‘ has highlighted  dozens of high-profile wrongful convictions based on majority jury verdicts, including Winston Trew, who was “fitted up” by a racist police officer in 1972.

Joint Enterprise on Trial:

The ‘Joint Enterprise on Trial’ report launched by APPEAL’s Dr Nisha Waller and Tehreem Sultan is a first-of-its-kind report offering a rare, inside look at how joint enterprise is being used in criminal trials at the Old Bailey. Based on a six-month court watch, the study reveals how young, mostly Black men and teenagers are being placed at risk of wrongful conviction due to the overuse and misuse of joint enterprise.

>> Read more about ‘Joint Enterprise on Trial’


Who We Are > Racial Justice

Young people, especially from Black and minority communities, are being convicted for crimes they didn’t commit—just for being “in the wrong place.” Despite the 2016 Jogee ruling, little has changed.

We demand urgent parliamentary scrutiny. Reform joint enterprise now.

Screenshot 2025-09-22 at 17.24.46

Joint Enterprise on Trial – Take Action Now

Young people, especially from Black and minority communities, are being convicted for crimes they didn’t commit—just for being “in the wrong place.” Despite the 2016 Jogee ruling, little has changed.

We demand urgent parliamentary scrutiny. Reform joint enterprise now.

Latest

We’re Hiring (Racial Justice Researcher and Lawyer)

We’re Hiring 🚨 JOIN THE FIGHT FOR JUSTICE APPEAL is recruiting passionate individuals to help overturn wrongful convictions and challenge…

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Our Impact Report 2024-25

Impact Report 2024-25 Signs of Hope, Calls for Change   This year, we’ve seen genuine signs of hope for those…

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Leveson’s Outcomes: A Grave Threat to Justice

Leveson’s Outcomes: A Grave Threat to Justice   Sir Brian Leveson’s newly published review of the criminal courts proposes sweeping…

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Joint Enterprise on Trial

Joint Enterprise on Trial 📢 Joint Enterprise on Trial On 26 June 2025, APPEAL’s Racial Justice Lead, Dr Nisha Waller…

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In It Together – Race and Joint Enterprise

In It Together – Race and Joint Enterprise Presented by Maxine Peake, this episode looks at how and why race…

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Reflections on Martyn Blake’s trial

Reflections on Martyn Blake’s trial APPEAL’s Nisha Waller explores the trial of the police officer that killed Chris Kaba The…

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Featured Cases

Errol Campbell: Court of Appeal quashes convictions linked to corrupt officer Derek Ridgewell

Court of Appeal quashes convictions linked to corrupt officer Derek Ridgewell   In a historic judgment at the Royal Courts…

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Mehmet and Peterkin

Saliah Mehmet and Basil Peterkin: posthumously cleared after 46 years vindication at last for rail workers framed by racist, corrupt…

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APPEAL is the working name of the Centre for Criminal Appeals, a Charitable Company Limited By Guarantee and a law practice authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Registered Charity Number: 1144162 | SRA Authorisation Number: 621184 | Company Number: 7556168