Punjabi translation. This page is translated from the canonical English version for general information. UK legal terms do not always translate exactly — check the English source for legal decisions and seek professional advice for important matters. The English page is authoritative.
ਸਾਰ
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.
ਮੁੱਖ ਨੁਕਤੇ
- Special measures directions (Part II, Chapter I) for vulnerable and intimidated witnesses — screens, live link, video-recorded evidence-in-chief, evidence in private, and intermediaries
- Witnesses eligible on grounds of age or incapacity (s.16) or fear or distress about testifying (s.17), including automatic eligibility for child witnesses and complainants in sexual and modern slavery offences
- Referral orders (Part I) for young offenders pleading guilty on a first appearance, referring them to a youth offender panel
- Youth offender contracts agreed with a community panel (ss.8-12)
- Restriction on cross-examination of complainants in person by the accused in sexual offence cases (s.34) and on evidence about a complainant's sexual history (s.41)
ਹਿੱਸੇ ਅਤੇ ਧਾਰਾਵਾਂ
ਸੋਧਾਂ ਦਾ ਇਤਿਹਾਸ
2009 — Coroners and Justice Act 2009
Reformed the special measures regime, including the rules on child witnesses (the 'primary rule') and the availability of measures for vulnerable witnesses.
2015 — Modern Slavery Act 2015
Added complainants in slavery and human trafficking offences to those automatically eligible for special measures.