Youth Justice & Criminal Evidence Act

Question 1

Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999

Answer 1

Purposes:

Ensure that the best evidence is achieved from vulnerable and intimidated witnesses in criminal proceedings
Gives access to ‘special measures’ at court

Question 2

Section 16 of the YJ&CE Act

Answer 2

Concerns witnesses eligible for assistance on the grounds of age and incapacity:

Under 18
Suffer from a mental disorder 
Significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning 
Physical disability 
Physical disorder

Question 3

Section 17 of YJ&CE Act

Answer 3

Concerns witnesses eligible for assistance on grounds of fear or distress:

Victim’s of sexual offences
Victim’s of Human Trafficking
Witnesses to a relevant offence (gun and knife crime)
Victims subjected to intimidation from the accused

Question 4

Special measures - Section 23-30 YJ&CE Act

Answer 4

Available for vulnerable and intimidates witnesses:

Screening witness from accused
Evidence by live link
Evidence given in private
Removal of wigs and gowns
Video recorded evidence 
Video recorded cross-examination 
Examination of witness through intermediary 
Aid to communication