*/
Child witnesses in Crown Court sex abuse and violence cases are waiting for more than a year to give evidence, despite government promises to the contrary.
An NSPCC report, Measuring Up?, published in July showed Crown Court trials involving child witnesses take on average two months longer than other cases to come to trial, and more than a third are rescheduled more than once, adding to children’s anxiety. Researchers interviewed 182 children, aged between five to nineteen, parents and witness support professionals.
NSPCC lawyer Barbara Esam said: “Speeding up young witness cases has been government policy since 1988 and is frequently re-stated but has still not been achieved.”
The charity is calling on the government to enforce its policy of fast-tracking criminal cases involving young witnesses and to monitor delays.
An NSPCC report, Measuring Up?, published in July showed Crown Court trials involving child witnesses take on average two months longer than other cases to come to trial, and more than a third are rescheduled more than once, adding to children’s anxiety. Researchers interviewed 182 children, aged between five to nineteen, parents and witness support professionals.
NSPCC lawyer Barbara Esam said: “Speeding up young witness cases has been government policy since 1988 and is frequently re-stated but has still not been achieved.”
The charity is calling on the government to enforce its policy of fast-tracking criminal cases involving young witnesses and to monitor delays.
Child witnesses in Crown Court sex abuse and violence cases are waiting for more than a year to give evidence, despite government promises to the contrary.
The Bar Council is ready to support a turn to the efficiencies that will make a difference
A £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs has been made to the leading UK charity tackling international parental child abduction and the movement of children across international borders
By Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, examines the latest ONS data on drug misuse and its implications for toxicology testing in family law cases
An interview with Rob Wagg, CEO of New Park Court Chambers
What meaningful steps can you take in 2026 to advance your legal career? asks Thomas Cowan of St Pauls Chambers
With at least 31 reports of AI hallucinations in UK legal cases – over 800 worldwide – and judges using AI to assist in judicial decision-making, the risks and benefits are impossible to ignore. Matthew Lee examines how different jurisdictions are responding
Ever wondered what a pupillage is like at the CPS? This Q and A provides an insight into the training, experience and next steps
The appointments of 96 new King’s Counsel (also known as silk) are announced today
Resolution of the criminal justice crisis does not lie in reheating old ideas that have been roundly rejected before, say Ed Vickers KC, Faras Baloch and Katie Bacon
With pupillage application season under way, Laura Wright reflects on her route to ‘tech barrister’ and offers advice for those aiming at a career at the Bar
