Meeting to discuss vulnerable witness measures
22 Aug 08
Justice Secretary and Lord Advocate want to ensure compliance with Act
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill and the Lord Advocate Elish Angiolini are to meet key representatives from across the justice system to help make sure vulnerable witnesses get the support they need.
The business breakfast is aimed at making sure that everyone involved in the justice system is complying fully with the Vulnerable Witnesses Act.
The Act has been implemented in stages since April 2005 and covers witnesses in the high court, sheriff court solemn and summary proceedings, children’s hearings court proceedings and other civil proceedings in the Court of Session, sheriff court and fatal accident inquiries.
Children under 16 have an automatic right to certain special measures and adult witnesses can also access these measures if they are suffering from mental disorders or where there is a significant risk of the quality of their evidence being diminished because of fear or distress in connection with giving evidence.
The special measures include giving evidence via a live television link, using a screen in court, giving evidence to a commissioner and the use of a supporter.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: "Since the Vulnerable Witnesses Act came into force many witnesses have benefited from special measures such as screens or giving evidence by live TV link.
"We know that there have been improvements to the way the justice system deals with vulnerable witnesses, but we are not complacent. More needs to be done to make sure the detail and spirit of the Act is applied consistently and comprehensively across Scotland.”