News

The introduction of special measures for vulnerable adult witnesses was expected to move a step closer to becoming a reality this week with the long-awaited publication of an implementation plan for outstanding provisions of part two of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, writes Lauren Revans.

The plan and accompanying guidance was due to be published this week by the inter-departmental steering group set up to take forward the act and the 78 recommendations for improvements to the criminal justice system put forward in the home office’s 1998 report, 'Speaking up for Justice'.

The special measures outlined in the act – which have already been introduced for child witnesses – include the use of screens in court, live links, evidence given in private, removal of wigs and gowns, video recorded evidence in chief, video recorded cross-examination, the examination of witnesses through an intermediary, and the use of communication aids.

Speaking in Westminster Hall last week, the minister for criminal justice, sentencing and law reform, Keith Bradley, admitted that the target of implementing most of the special measures in the crown court by the end of 2001 had been "too ambitious". He said the departments and agencies involved had agreed that more time was needed to prepare for change, and that the final revised timetable would be announced this week.