Caoilfhionn Gallagher QC, Quincy Whitaker and Jesse Nicholls in Supreme Court challenging legality of Government’s criminal records disclosure scheme

The hearing of the two linked cases of P, G and W and Gallagher started in the Supreme Court today.  The Court is considering the legality of the Government’s criminal records disclosure scheme, and whether it complies with individuals’ right to private and family life under Article 8 of the European Convention. The Court of Appeal concluded that the scheme – which allows old, minor offences to be disclosed to prospective employers for life, with potentially devastating consequences for individuals – was unlawful. The Government is appealing.

Quincy Whitaker acts for the Appellant G with Tim Owen QC, instructed by Hodge Jones & Allen. Caoilfhionn Gallagher QC and Jesse Nicholls, instructed by Salima Budhani of Bindmans LLP, act for Unlock, an independent charity working for people with cautions and convictions.

You can read more about the case on Unlock's website by clicking here.  The case is also being reported in the media, and The Guardian's article can be found by clicking here. 

You can also follow the live hearings of the Supreme Court by clicking here.