‘High-profile rape cases like that involving a violinist who took her own life after giving evidence against her abuser have prompted major changes in the way victims are treated in court.’
BBC News, 7th October 2015
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
‘A former British Airways flight attendant is suing G4S for more than £100,000 after witnessing the death of Jimmy Mubenga, a deportee who suffocated while being restrained by security guards employed by the firm.’
The Guardian, 30th September 2015
Source: www.guardian.co.uk
‘A solicitor who forged his client’s signature on a witness statement has been struck off, even though the client himself expressed surprise that disciplinary action had been taken.’
Legal Futures, 24th September 2015
Source: www.legalfutures.co.uk
‘A man convicted of raping a 13-year-old girl has been jailed for seven years, in a case in which the retired high court judge Elizabeth Butler-Sloss told the jury she was astonished at the allegations against the man.’
The Guardian, 14th September 2015
Source: www.guardian.co.uk
‘The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Alison Saunders, is boosting the support offered to victims and witnesses at Crown Court proceedings by ensuring that the vital service offered by our dedicated CPS paralegal staff is provided exactly where it is needed – at court where the victims and witnesses are.’
Crown Prosecution Service, 11th September 2015
Source: www.cps.gov.uk
‘More victims and witnesses will be helped to give evidence from behind courtroom screens, as a result of research that suggests nearly half of all victims who are put through the criminal justice system have reservations afterwards about giving evidence at a future trial.’
The Guardian, 11th September 2015
Source: www.guardian.co.uk
‘Magistrates have warned the criminal justice system is “on the cusp” of breaking down amid growing delays, court closures and funding cuts.’
BBC News, 7th September 2015
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
‘A prominent retired high court judge, who specialised in family matters, has been criticised for giving evidence for the defence in the case of a man accused of raping a girl – though she knew he had a previous conviction for violence.’
The Guardian, 24th August 2015
Source: www.guardian.co.uk
The UK has a witness protection scheme but little has been revealed about it to date. Newsnight’s James Clayton has been given an exclusive insight into the programme and the people who’ve been through it.
BBC News, 12th August 2015
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
‘People who have witnessed a crime are significantly less likely to trust the justice system than the rest of the public, according to new research published by the Government.’
The Independent, 5th August 2015
Source: www.independent.co.uk
‘In a wide-ranging decision earlier this month, the Court of Appeal has clarified a number of key questions on jurisdiction where an accident happens abroad during a holiday booked from UK. Most significantly, Arden LJ (giving the leading judgment) held that direct damage in the jurisdiction is required to come within the tort jurisdictional gateway in the CPR, effectively overruling earlier first instance decisions that indirect or consequential damage was sufficient. While this would prevent many overseas accidents from being litigated in the UK, Arden LJ did carve out an exception for Fatal Accident Act claims, which she considered involved “direct damage” in the UK. She also took the opportunity to provide her own “gloss” on the so-called “Canada Trust gloss”. Peppered throughout the judgment are some blistering but instructive observations on defective witness statements.’
Henderson Chambers, 24th July 2015
Source: www.hendersonchambers.co.uk
‘The High Court was wrong to strike out a claim over unpaid fees brought by a firm of solicitors on the basis of alleged exaggeration and inaccurate sums, without hearing any witnesses, the Court of Appeal has ruled.’
Litigation Futures, 9th July 2015
Source: www.litigationfutures.com
‘The “fundamental architecture” for modernising the way in which the family courts deal with vulnerable people could be introduced before the end of the year.’
Law Society’s Gazette, 22nd June 2015
Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk
‘A coroner hearing the inquest of three men who suffered fatal heat illness during an SAS training march in south Wales has refused to allow the release of witness statements, concluding that their publication could threaten any future criminal prosecutions. The Guardian and other media organisations argued that in the interest of open justice, statements taken by detectives investigating the tragedy on the Brecon Beacons and provided to the inquest should be released to allow the proceedings to be reported fully.’
The Guardian, 19th June 2015
Source: www.guardian.co.uk
‘Police and health and safety lawyers argue against media attempt to see witness statements in case they prejudice future prosecutions.’
The Guardian, 17th June 2015
Source: www.guardian.co.uk
‘The former head of the Crown Prosecution Service has said it can be “appropriate” for journalists to pay officials for information and that Operation Elveden had overlooked the public interest.’
The Independent, 18th April 2015
Source: www.independent.co.uk
‘The police watchdog has taken charge of an inquiry into the handling of an alleged incident involving Cyril Smith.’
BBC News, 27th March 2015
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
‘Family courts should have annual open days for children, a report from the judiciary recommends.’
Law Society’s Gazette, 23rd March 2015
Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk
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