Overview

The Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill aims to address miscarriages of justice related to the Horizon system, a computer system used by the Post Office. The bill seeks to create a fairer process for individuals wrongly accused of crimes linked to the system’s failings.

Description

This bill amends the existing legal framework surrounding criminal convictions linked to the Post Office's Horizon system. Specifically, it focuses on situations where the Horizon system was allegedly faulty. The amendment clarifies that a conviction can be overturned if:

• The Horizon system was malfunctioning at the time of the alleged offense, or
• The Horizon system was in use by the Post Office, even partially, during the period of the alleged offense.

This allows for a broader consideration of cases where the Horizon system's flaws may have led to wrongful convictions.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify the amount of government spending involved. However, it is expected to involve costs related to potential legal challenges, compensation to those wrongly convicted, and administrative changes to ensure future justice. Exact figures are yet to be released.

Groups Affected

The bill primarily affects:

• Subpostmasters wrongly convicted: The bill offers a path to overturning wrongful convictions, potentially leading to compensation and clearing their names.
• The Post Office: The bill may result in financial liability for the Post Office, depending on the number of successful appeals and compensation claims.
• The Courts: The courts will be responsible for adjudicating appeals under the amended legislation.

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