The public could be allowed to challenge the release of serious criminals from jail under plans to shake up the parole system.
It follows the outcry over the decision to release 'black cab rapist' John Worboys.
A review ordered by Justice Secretary David Gauke has said most high-profile cases could be automatically reviewed without anyone lodging a challenge.
But Ministry of Justice (MoJ) officials said there should also be a way for people to fight a criminal's release with having to resort to a lengthy and "onerous" judicial review.
One possibility is an "open approach" where anyone who believes a case meets a certain threshold can ask for it to be reconsidered.
Another option is to limit it only to the interested parties – normally the offender, Parole Board and Secretary of State.
Victims could also be included, although they are not normally classed as a direct party to the Parole Board decision.
Under the proposals, the decision to release an offender would be provisional for a certain time to allow for any challenges.
The MoJ said some cases with "strong public interest" could trigger automatic reconsideration. Worboys' case would be likely to fit in that category.
The 60-year-old was jailed indefinitely in 2009 with a minimum term of eight years after being convicted of rape, sexual assault and drugging as he drove his cab around London.
After a public outcry and a challenge by two victims, the High Court last month quashed the Parole Board's decision.
Worboys will now be kept locked up until the case has been reassessed.
Under the new scheme, the mechanism for challenging decisions will be judge-led but operated within a "specialist division" of the Parole Board.
Any oral evidence sessions could be open to the public, with information released about panel members.
:: How Parole Board rules may change following Worboys case
Offenders who have reached the parole point in their sentence but been denied would also be able to use the new system.
The shake-up will also bring forward legislation to lift the ban on the Parole Board releasing information about its decisions – another change prompted by the Worboys case.
Members of the public and journalists will be able to apply to know the reasons behind a prisoner's release.
Improvements will also be made to how victims are contacted and notified about someone's release.
This again comes after some of Worboys' victims said they had found out about his release from the media.
Justice Secretary David Gauke said: "It is my ambition that the outcome of this process will mean victims have more confidence in the system.
"We have moved at pace to address the shortcomings of the parole system which the Worboys case has brought to light.
"But we must take a balanced approach. I am determined to lead a thorough reform process, the first action of which we launched today."
Victims' Commissioner Baroness Newlove welcomed the proposals but said "the devil is in the detail".
She told Sky News: "The Government has listened but there is a lot more work to do.
More from John Worboys
"We have to look at these proposals carefully. The devil is in the detail. We have to make sure victims' voices are heard."
The proposals are now open for consultation and people can give their views on the MoJ website.
[contf]
[contfnew]
Sky News
[contfnewc]
[contfnewc]
