Rezumat
The Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 strengthens the position of victims in the criminal justice system, creates support for those affected by major incidents, sets up compensation for the infected blood scandal, and reforms the release of the most serious prisoners. Part 1 places the Victims' Code on a statutory footing, imposes duties on criminal justice bodies to promote awareness of and monitor compliance with it, and reforms the Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses. Part 2 creates a standing Independent Public Advocate to support the bereaved and survivors of major incidents. Part 3 establishes the Infected Blood Compensation Authority and its scheme. Part 4 reforms parole and release decisions for life and other serious offenders, including a power for the Secretary of State to intervene in the most serious cases.
Puncte cheie
- Part 1 — puts the Victims' Code on a statutory footing (s.2) and imposes duties on agencies to promote and review compliance
- Reforms the Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses (s.22)
- Part 2 — a standing Independent Public Advocate for victims of major incidents (ss.35-36)
- Part 3 — the Infected Blood Compensation Authority and compensation scheme (ss.48-49)
- Part 4 — reforms public protection and release decisions for life and fixed-term prisoners (ss.58-59) and Parole Board rules (s.73)
- Restrictions on marriage and civil partnership for whole-life prisoners (ss.75-76)