All Legislation
Criminal Law
c. 23
Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999
View on legislation.gov.ukSummary
The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 reformed the youth justice system and introduced special measures to help vulnerable and intimidated witnesses give their best evidence in criminal proceedings. It also introduced referral orders for young offenders.
Key Points
- Special measures directions for vulnerable witnesses (screens, live link, video-recorded evidence, intermediaries)
- Automatic eligibility for child witnesses and complainants in sexual offences
- Referral orders for young offenders appearing in court for the first time who plead guilty
- Youth Offender Panels — community panels to agree a contract with the young offender
- Restrictions on cross-examination of complainants in person by defendants in sexual offence cases