| answer text |
<p /> <p /> <p>We do everything we can to support child witnesses and help them give
their best possible evidence to bring offenders to justice.We are piloting recorded
pre-trial cross-examination, allowing vulnerable witnesses for the first time to give
evidence in advance of trial.</p><p>In ‘Transforming the Criminal Justice System:
Strategy and Action Plan' (June 2013), the Ministry of Justice committed to improving
the consistency and take-up of special measures for vulnerable and intimidated victims
and witnesses, such as the use of live-link, screens in court and the use of an intermediary
(communication specialist). We are working with other criminal justice agencies to
deliver this.</p><p>Child victims and witnesses are automatically eligible for special
measures when giving evidence in court. The presumption in most cases is that they
should give their evidence by video-recorded statement, and that any subsequent cross-examination
is conducted by live-link with a supporter present who has been approved by the court.</p><p>The
pre-trial cross-examination pilot ends in October 2014 and the evaluation of the pilot
will inform plans for any future rollout of the measure.</p>
|
|
