Richard Harvey’s passion for human rights and social justice led him to join the Bar more than 40 years ago. He has a formidable reputation in international criminal tribunals, human rights, environmental law, criminal trials, tribunals of inquiry, appeals and inquests.
Today, he chairs Garden Court International and his advice on human rights and environmental issues is sought by many groups, including Greenpeace International and Amnesty International.
International Human Rights
Overview
Richard has expertise in international environmental law, human rights and international humanitarian law. He is chair of the Garden Court International team.
His advice on human rights and environmental issues is sought by many groups, including Greenpeace International and Amnesty International.
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Inquests and Inquiries
Overview
Richard has advised at a number of high-profile inquiries and inquests.
Notable Cases
Past notable cases can be viewed below. Click here to see a list of recent notable cases.
Inquests
Bloody Sunday: The Saville Inquiry (2000 – 2010)
Counsel for the family of James Wray, killed by the British Army.
Family of Patrick Finucane (2008 to date)
Advising family of murdered Belfast solicitor.
Inquiries
Bennett, R (on the application of) v HM Coroner for Inner South London & Ors [2007] EWCA Civ 617
Inquest into death of Afro-Caribbean man shot in the back by Metropolitan Police. Counsel at inquest and on appeal.
Matter of Blair Peach, 1980
Represented the Anti-Nazi League at the inquest into the death of teacher killed by Metropolitan Police.
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International Crime and Conflict Law
Overview
Richard is a recognised expert in international criminal law, and has trained senior judges in Uganda as well as Tunisian judges and prosecutors in this area.
Notable Cases
Past notable cases can be viewed below. Click here to see a list of recent notable cases.
International criminal cases
Prosecutor v Radovan Karadzic, International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, (2009 to date), The Hague, Netherlands
Lead counsel appointed by Tribunal to protect the interests of self-representing accused, former President of Republika Srpska, charged with genocide and other major war crimes.
Prosecutor v Lahi Brahimaj, International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (2005 to date), The Hague, Netherlands
Lead counsel at trial, appeal and re-trial (the first re-trial in the history of the ICTY) of Kosovo Liberation Army leader accused of war crimes.
Prosecutor v Haradin Bala, International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (2004- 2005), The Hague, Netherlands
Co-counsel for Kosovan Liberation Army soldier accused in war crimes case.
Juvenal Kajelijeli, International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, (1999-2000), Arusha, Tanzania
Co-counsel for former mayor accused of genocide and war crimes before ICTR.
Other current and recent international work
Northern Ireland: Operation Ballast Oversight Panel (2010 to date)
review Police Service of Northern Ireland progress on investigations into numerous murders and other serious criminal offences committed in north Belfast over many years.
The Hague: Special Tribunal for Lebanon (2012 ongoing)
Consultant to Association of Defence Counsel, the Hague.
Uganda: Capital Cases Sentencing Project (2012) Kampala, Uganda
On behalf of CCSP, based at University of Westminster, devised and presented workshops to senior judges and lawyers on alternatives to death penalty.
Philippines: legal adviser to National Democratic Front of the Philippines
In negotiations with the government of the Philippines, aimed at ending decades of armed conflict.
Bermuda: legal adviser to Former Premier of Bermuda (2012)
Sudan – Darfur: (2009)
Adviser to major international financial institution on duties and liabilities in responding to Request for Assistance from International Criminal Court Prosecutor.
R v Abernethy & Ors (2008)
Armagh Crown Court. Lead counsel for defendant in £15m cigarette smuggling conspiracy.
R v O'Donnell & Ors (2008)
Belfast Crown Court. Lead counsel for anti-war activist in 2006 protest against Israel Defence Force bombing of civilians in Lebanon.
R v Jawad Akbar & Ors (2005-2007)
Central Criminal Court, London. Operation Crevice conspiracy to cause explosions in central London.
R v Tahira Tabassum & Ors (2004)
Central Criminal Court, London. Withholding information under Terrorism Act in relation to suicide bombing in Israel.
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International Environmental Law
Overview
Richard is an expert in international environmental law, advising multiple jurisdictions on legal strategies to combat climate change, and working on international environmental campaigns. His specialist knowledge is sought by many groups, including Greenpeace International and Amnesty International.
Notable Cases
Bermuda: Government of Bermuda (2009-2010)
Adviser on international environmental issues.