Every prison in the UK operates under Prison Rules that set out what prisoners can and cannot do. If you are accused of breaking these rules, you will face the adjudication system — an internal disciplinary process that can result in serious penalties. Understanding how adjudications work is essential for anyone serving a prison sentence.
What Is a Prison Adjudication?
An adjudication is the prison's internal disciplinary hearing. It is not a criminal court, but it can feel like one. A governor or independent adjudicator hears evidence, decides whether you broke the rules, and decides what punishment you should receive.
Adjudications are governed by the Prison Rules 1999 and the Adjudication Policy Framework. You have rights during the process, and understanding them helps you defend yourself properly.
What Counts as a Prison Offence?
Prison offences range from minor infractions to serious misconduct. Common examples include:
Minor offences are heard by a governor. Serious offences — those that could result in added days — are heard by an independent adjudicator, who is a district judge brought in from outside the prison.
The Charge and Your Rights
If a member of staff believes you have broken a rule, they will report it. You must then be given a written charge at least two hours before the hearing. The charge must specify:
You have the right to:
The Hearing Process
At the hearing, the reporting officer presents the evidence. You then have the opportunity to respond, call witnesses, and ask questions. The governor or independent adjudicator weighs the evidence and makes a finding.
If you plead guilty or are found guilty, the adjudicator will then decide your punishment.
Possible Punishments
Punishments range from minor to severe:
**Minor punishments**: Loss of privileges for up to 21 days, stoppage of earnings for up to 42 days, extra work duties, or exclusion from specific activities.
**Serious punishments**: Added days of imprisonment — up to 42 days for a single offence, or up to 84 days for multiple offences heard together. Loss of canteen privileges, loss of in-cell television, and cellular confinement (solitary confinement) for up to 21 days.
Added days are the most serious outcome. They extend your sentence and can affect your release date, parole eligibility, and categorisation.
Independent Adjudicators
For offences that could result in added days, an independent adjudicator — a district judge — must hear the case. These hearings are more formal than governor adjudications. You have stronger rights, including the right to legal representation.
If you are facing an independent adjudication, you should request legal representation. The solicitor can help you prepare your defence, challenge evidence, and negotiate outcomes.
How to Defend Yourself
If you believe the charge is wrong, you should:
Never plead guilty just to get the hearing over with. The consequences — especially added days — are real and lasting.
Appeals
If you are found guilty and believe the decision was wrong, you can appeal to the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman within six weeks. The Ombudsman will review whether the hearing was fair and whether the punishment was proportionate.
You can also apply for a judicial review in the High Court if there was a serious procedural error or if your human rights were breached.
Avoiding Adjudications
The best approach is to avoid getting charged in the first place:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a solicitor at an adjudication?
Only at independent adjudications heard by a district judge. Governor adjudications do not allow solicitors, though you can ask a member of prison staff or another prisoner to assist you.
How long do added days stay on my record?
Added days are part of your sentence and remain until you have served the full adjusted term. They can also be mentioned in parole reports and categorisation reviews.
What is cellular confinement?
Cellular confinement means being kept in your cell for up to 21 days with only limited association. It is the prison equivalent of solitary confinement and is reserved for serious or repeated misconduct.
Can I refuse to attend an adjudication hearing?
You can, but the hearing will proceed in your absence. This is almost always a mistake. Attending gives you the chance to defend yourself and potentially avoid punishment.
Do adjudications affect my parole?
Yes. A record of adjudications, particularly for violence or drug offences, can harm your parole prospects. The Parole Board considers your behaviour in custody when deciding release.
*Last updated: June 2026.*