Speaking Up for Justice

What is it?

Speaking Up for Justice is a scheme which ensures that vulnerable or intimidated witnesses are provided with special measures to enable them to give their best evidence in court.

Special Measures

These can include one or a combination of the following:

• using screens in court so the witness cannot see, or be seen, by the defendant.
• giving evidence from another room by live television link
• clearing the public gallery of people
• removing court attire such as wigs and gowns
• using video evidence in cross examination
• cross examination by an intermediary
• communication aids

Who is a 'vulnerable witness'?

A person who is under 17 years old or a person whose quality of evidence or ability to give evidence is likely to be diminished by reason of mental disorder, significant impairment of intelligence or social functioning or physical disability or disorder.

Who is an 'intimidated witness'?

A person whose quality of evidence may be diminished by reason of fear or distress in connection with testifyng in the proceedings.