England has introduced a new pilot scheme in three Crown Courts which will allow vulnerable children and adults to give their evidence in advance and outside court. Cross-examination by the prosecution and the defence will take place in front of a judge prior to the trial. A recording of this will then be shown to the jury during the trial.
The current procedure in England for witnesses giving evidence is that they can only be cross-examined in the court during the trial. There are, however, allowances given to vulnerable witnesses - they can give evidence from behind a screen or via video link. The new pilot scheme, which will be trialled on selected witnesses, aims to make the court process easier for vulnerable witness by sparing them from aggressive and lengthy questioning. If successful, the scheme could be extended to cover victims of sexual violence and rape.
UK Policing Minister Damian Green said it is "crucial that people who have experienced horrific crimes are given the highest possible level of protection and support."
The charity Victim Support welcomed the scheme, saying "aggressive questioning of vulnerable witnesses in a packed courtroom cannot be the best way to obtain sound and accurate evidence."
Click here to read a BBC News report on the new pilot scheme.