Last year 2 women, Angela Canning and Sally Clark, were released from prison after an appeal court overturned their conviction for killing their children. Another Trupti Patel was accused of murder when her third baby died, but she was found not guilty. Angela Cannings case has led to the announcement last week of a review of convictions based on the evidence of certain experts.
But what happens when a mother is found innocent in a Criminal Court of harming her child but the Family Courts nevertheless say that it is not safe for her other children to live with her? Nicky Underdown is a mother who has been placed in this position. Her first son William died at 14 days old. She can only see her surviving child for four hours a month. Woman's Hour talks to her about her experiences.
Jenni is then joined by Christina Lyon, Professor of Law at Liverpool University, and barrister Barbara Hewson to discuss the differences between the two court systems
And last week Harriet Harman, the Solicitor General, made a statement to the Commons on the review of criminal convictions arising from the Angela Canning judgement. Afterwards it was widely reported that the review would be extended to include cases involving the Family Courts too. Shadow Attorney General Dominic Grieve MP joins Jenni to discuss the implications of the announcement. Contact the Radio 4 Actionline for further information on 0800 044 044
