Joint Enterprise allows trial defendants to be found ‘guilty by association’ for crimes they did not directly commit. Despite the Supreme Court ruling that this doctrine has been wrongly interpreted for more than 30 years, it is still being routinely used in manslaughter and murder cases.
The below three videos provide an insight into the use of Joint Enterprise today.
An Introduction
Gary Younge recorded an introduction to the below documentary, recorded in June 2020. The award-winning journalist and author says, “This incredibly powerful film… tells a story which should make you livid, should make your blood boil… The lives of young people destroyed not because of what they did, but because of who they are.”
The Documentary Film
This short film, Dangerous Associations was created by local filmmaker Colin Stone and reflects upon the use of Joint Enterprise within our criminal justice system. Drawing on the research from Manchester Metropolitan University, the film examines why so many convicted under this common law are young, black men.
At the end of the film there is a family statement from Manchester family group NGBA and a campaign message from JENGbA.
The film features an original piece of spoken word by local artist Reece Williams, the excerpt below is taken from the poem.
‘Lady Justice has been peeping through her blindfold, the outcome pre-meditated.
Her judgement seemingly predicated on prejudices that predate her statutes.
Let’s criminalise the black youth. Let’s criminalise the black youth.
Who said you are not your brother’s keeper?
We find you guilty by association.’
A Panel Discussion
A webinar panel event held following the films first public screening featured Temi Mwale; Adam Elliot-Cooper; Stephen Akinsanya and Becky Clarke. They reflect upon the issues raised within the documentary and respond to audience questions.