This order brings into force various provisions of the Criminal Cases Review Commission Act 2019 (the Act) on 3 April 2020 as part of setting up the Criminal Cases Review Commission (the Commission). The remaining provisions of the Act will come into force not later than 1 July 2020.

In summary, the provisions brought into force by this order—

• give the meaning of certain terms used in the Act:

• bring the Commission into existence as an independent Crown entity under the Crown Entities Act 2004:

• grant certain immunities specified in the Crown Entities Act 2004 to the Commission and its members, employees, and specialist advisers:

• specify the legal status of the members of the Commission, Chief Commissioner, and Deputy Commissioner for the purposes of the Crown Entities Act 2004:

• amend the Crown Entities Act 2004 and the Official Information Act 1982 with the effect that certain obligations of transparency and accountability under those enactments apply to the Commission:

• amend the Legal Services Act 2011 with the effect of enabling a person to apply for legal aid as soon as possible if this is necessary in order for them to prepare an application to the Commission.