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Criminal Justice is the biggest pile of crap since Prison Break

By John Hirst

Criminal Justice is the biggest pile of crap since Prison Break

Charon QC emailed me this morning to see if I had been watching the BBC drama Criminal Justice, and whether I would like to do a podcast with him on the accuracy or otherwise of the drama and other matters. I phoned him to say I hadn't watched it, but that I would do an internet search. I was only able to see the first episode, well the second half of it because the cutbacks at the BBC meant that they could not afford any lighting for the first half of the programme.

It's the biggest pile of crap since Prison Break. Even allowing for artistic licence, it was so full of inaccuracies I would have switched it off or changed channels but for my obligation to Charon QC. I am well aware that lawyers who are involved in criminal law are ignorant of prison law. Now I know they are also ignorant of the Criminal Justice System. Or, at the very least, the writer Peter Moffat hasn't got a clue.

If I had a TV licence, I would be demanding a rebate. This drama is a good argument for scrapping the licence fee. A complete waste of money. In fact, if I was the BBC I would be suing the writer for a breach of contract or a failure to deliver the goods. It is a misrepresentation to call it one thing and provide something completely different.

If the BBC wanted to portray reality why didn't they get in touch with Peter Ransley who would have contacted me? I worked with Peter on Underbelly in 1990/91 the last time the BBC put on a prison drama which was more accurate.

Telegraph BBC iPlayer review: Criminal Justice (BBC1)

Link to first episode here.

Full post as published by prisonlawinsideout on July 04, 2008 (boomark / email).