MoJ implements new laws making it easier for children and vulnerable to give evidence

New laws designed to make it easier for children and vulnerable victims and witnesses to give evidence in court have come into force, the Ministry of Justice has said.

Amendments to the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 came into force on 27 June.

The changes include:

• Making all under 18-year-olds, and witnesses in gun and knife crime cases automatically eligible for Special Measures. These measures include: screening the witness from the accused; giving evidence by live-link or in private where the court considers that the witness may be intimidated; video-recorded evidence-in-chief; ordering the removal of wigs and gowns; and the assistance of an intermediary to enhance witness communication.
• Giving child witnesses (under 18s) more choice about the way they give their evidence, allowing them to opt-out of giving video-recorded evidence and instead give evidence in court.
• Giving victims of rape and serious sexual offences the opportunity to give evidence via video-recorded statements automatically – something currently limited to child witnesses.
• Ensuring children and vulnerable and intimidated adults can have a supporter in the room when they are giving video-link evidence.

Justice Minister Crispin Blunt said: “We are working to ensure that everything is done to support children and vulnerable victims and witnesses in court.

“While it is right that they only give evidence when absolutely necessary in the interests of justice, it is sometimes unavoidable. The criminal justice process can be intimidating and these new measures will help make this often difficult experience a little easier.”