Say No!
To Joint Enterprise
Empowering communities with knowledge of the law, challenging injustice and raising awareness about joint enterprise to build safer, fairer futures for all.
What is
Joint Enterprise?
Joint enterprise is a legal doctrine that allows individuals to be convicted of a crime even if they didn't directly commit the act but were part of a joint plan with others to commit the crime, or encouraged or assisted the commission of that crime.
About Us
Our Work
Say No To Joint Enterprise was set up to educate people about Joint Enterprise and to support those affected by it.We do this through community and youth engagment, visiting schools and colleges, connecting with families and supporting those involved in the court system.Contact us to learn more or to work with us.
How can Joint Enterprise affect you?
Joseph Lappin was a 16-year-old boy from Liverpool. In 2008, he was standing outside a youth club with friends when he was attacked by a group of young people. One of them fatally stabbed him.Although only one person used the knife, all the young people involved in the attack were charged with murder under joint enterprise. The law held them responsible because they were part of the group and were seen as encouraging or supporting the violence.
Why This Matters For You
Some of the teens didn’t know a knife would be used and they didn’t plan to kill anyone. But because they were present and part of the group, they were treated as if they had committed the murder themselves.- Being part of a group that commits a crime can lead to serious consequences, even if you didn’t do the act.- Walking away or speaking up could save a life and your future.- Peer pressure and loyalty can be dangerous when it leads to violence.
The IMPACT
From 2005-2013 over 1,000 young people were convicted under joint enterprise laws in the UK.A 2016 report found that 38% of those convicted under joint enterprise were from a black or minority ethnic background.The average age of those convicted under joint enterprise is typically between 17 and 19 years old, often involving school-age or recently school-leaving youth.
Landmark Case
In Feburary 2025, six black teenagers were acquitted of murder after a four-month Old Bailey trial, exposing serious flaws in the use of joint enterprise laws. Despite minimal evidence, the prosecution pursued all six, but the jury unanimously found them not guilty.The case, involving boys as young as 15, has sparked renewed calls for urgent legal reform. Several spent over a year in custody, missing education & family life. Defence teams highlighted the injustice & the need for a full parliamentary review of such prosecutions.
F.A.D.J.E
FADJE (Families Against the Doctrine of Joint Enterprise) is a support group dedicated to empowering families impacted by Joint Enterprise laws.They provide support in a non-judgmental space for friends and family members to share experiences, get support and build resilience.Alongside practical assistance, FADJE is committed to raising awareness about the injustices of Joint Enterprise and pushing for legal reform.
get in Touch
Contact Us
Whether you have a question about our work, need support, or want to explore ways to collaborate, we’d love to hear from you.You can either contact us on 07983806436 or fill out the form below, and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
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