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New prosecution guidelines
The CPS has issued Guidelines on Prosecuting Cases of Child Sexual Abuse which set out the approach that prosecutors should take when dealing with these cases. They deal with early consultation between the police and the CPS, case management from the time of the first complaint through to the trial, the care of victims and witnesses (including keeping them informed, counselling and therapy), the inter-play of criminal and family proceedings and how to present cases at court.
Prosecution counsel is enjoined to ensure that in their opening speech they address myths and stereotypes about child sexual abuse, to adduce expert evidence where appropriate, and to ask the judge to give specific directions to the jury. In addition, they should read and be familiar with the Advocates’ Gateway (www.theadvocatesgateway.org) and the Judicial College Bench Checklist for Young Witness Cases (www.judiciary.gov.uk).
Pupillage matched funding
Applications for the Council of the Inns of Court 2014-15 Pupillage Matched Funding Scheme close on 2 December at 5pm. Set up to encourage additional pupillages, the new scheme is open to chambers whose work is predominantly publicly funded (see p 19). Apply at: www.innsofcourt.org.uk.
Flexibility: ‘in it to win it’
Lady Hale, Deputy President of the Supreme Court, has urged a diverse field of candidates to apply for the flexible working post (Queen’s Bench Division) in the current High Court selection exercise: “We know there are plenty of able women and other diverse lawyers out there who could be great judges. There are fewer barriers now than ever before. But if you don’t apply they can’t appoint you – you have to be ‘in it to win it’,” she said. Provisions were enacted in April enabling flexible, part-time working for the High Court bench. Applications close at noon on 4 November.
Prosecution counsel is enjoined to ensure that in their opening speech they address myths and stereotypes about child sexual abuse, to adduce expert evidence where appropriate, and to ask the judge to give specific directions to the jury. In addition, they should read and be familiar with the Advocates’ Gateway (www.theadvocatesgateway.org) and the Judicial College Bench Checklist for Young Witness Cases (www.judiciary.gov.uk).
Pupillage matched funding
Applications for the Council of the Inns of Court 2014-15 Pupillage Matched Funding Scheme close on 2 December at 5pm. Set up to encourage additional pupillages, the new scheme is open to chambers whose work is predominantly publicly funded (see p 19). Apply at: www.innsofcourt.org.uk.
Flexibility: ‘in it to win it’
Lady Hale, Deputy President of the Supreme Court, has urged a diverse field of candidates to apply for the flexible working post (Queen’s Bench Division) in the current High Court selection exercise: “We know there are plenty of able women and other diverse lawyers out there who could be great judges. There are fewer barriers now than ever before. But if you don’t apply they can’t appoint you – you have to be ‘in it to win it’,” she said. Provisions were enacted in April enabling flexible, part-time working for the High Court bench. Applications close at noon on 4 November.
New prosecution guidelines
The CPS has issued Guidelines on Prosecuting Cases of Child Sexual Abuse which set out the approach that prosecutors should take when dealing with these cases. They deal with early consultation between the police and the CPS, case management from the time of the first complaint through to the trial, the care of victims and witnesses (including keeping them informed, counselling and therapy), the inter-play of criminal and family proceedings and how to present cases at court.
Update from the Chair of the Bar
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A decade of reviews and research has disrupted accepted thinking in the search for causality. Suicides following abuse have overtaken domestic homicides. Is the law keeping up? Professor Susan Edwards KC (Hon) examines recent cases and the obstacles to successful prosecution
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Heritage as an anchor and a compass, finding our common humanity and embracing the power of the outsider – Melina Antoniadis’s lessons learnt
Seeing the full picture – Baljit Ubhey OBE outlines the CPS action plan to tackle violence against women and girls, offering insights directly relevant to courtroom practice
Lauren Fullerton examines the how, what and why of setting up a second chambers base
