Article 5 Amendments to the 2004 Rules

In rule 3 (appointment of panels)—

(a)

omit paragraph (2);

(b)

in paragraph (3)—

(i)

omit “Subject to paragraph (6) below,”;

(ii)

for “three” substitute “one or more”; and

(iii)

after “with a hearing.” insert “In respect of a hearing in the case of a prisoner serving an automatic life sentence, a mandatory life sentence, a discretionary life sentence, or a sentence during Her Majesty’s pleasure, the oral panel shall consist of or include a sitting or retired judge.”;

(c)

in paragraph (4) omit “, (2)”;

(d)

in paragraph (5)—

(i)

omit “Subject to paragraph (6) below,”; and

(ii)

after “of that panel.” insert “In relation to any panels comprising two or more members formed under paragraph (3) above that include a sitting or retired judge, that person shall act as chair of the panel.”; and

(e)

omit paragraph (6).